This bill aims to enhance access to school readiness programs for economically disadvantaged households by amending several sections of Florida Statutes. Key changes include redefining "economically disadvantaged" to mean families with incomes not exceeding 65 percent of the state median income, replacing the previous threshold of 150 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill also establishes a "single point of entry" system for parents to enroll their children in school readiness programs, which will utilize a uniform waiting list based on family household income and established priorities. Additionally, the duties of the Department of Education and early learning coalitions are revised to improve coordination and support for early learning programs.

Further amendments include prioritizing enrollment for children from working families with household incomes at or below 55 percent of the state median income, as well as those with incomes between 55 and 65 percent. The bill mandates that early learning coalitions create a uniform waiting list and outlines specific data collection requirements to track progress in reducing waiting lists and improving service delivery. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1382 Filed: 1002.82, 1002.84, 1002.87, 1002.89
S 1382 c1: 1002.82, 1002.84, 1002.87, 1002.89