(1) The department shall:
(a) Develop early learning professional development training and course standards to be utilized for school readiness program providers.
(b) Identify both formal and informal early learning career pathways with stackable credentials and certifications that allow early childhood teachers to access specialized professional development that:
1. Strengthens knowledge and teaching practices.
2. Aligns to established professional standards and core competencies.
3. Provides a progression of attainable, competency-based stackable credentials and certifications.
4. Improves outcomes for children to increase kindergarten readiness and early grade success.
(c) Subject to the appropriation of funds by the Legislature, provide incentives to school readiness personnel who meet the requirements of s. 1002.88(1)(e) and prekindergarten instructors who meet the requirements specified in s. 1002.55, s. 1002.61, or s. 1002.63 and who possess a reading certification or endorsement or a literacy micro-credential as specified in s. 1003.485 and teach students in the school readiness program or the voluntary prekindergarten education program.
(2) To the greatest extent possible, the credentials and certifications established pursuant to this section shall align with the training for K-12 teachers, reading coaches, and school administrators in s. 1001.215(3).
(3) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this section.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2019-126; s. 9, ch. 2021-9; s. 63, ch. 2021-10; s. 28, ch. 2022-154.
Structure Florida Statutes
Title XLVIII - Early Learning-20 Education Code
Chapter 1002 - Student and Parental Rights and Educational Choices
Part VI - School Readiness Program (Ss. 1002.81-1002.995)
1002.82 - Department of Education; powers and duties.
1002.83 - Early learning coalitions.
1002.84 - Early learning coalitions; school readiness powers and duties.
1002.85 - Early learning coalition plans.
1002.86 - School readiness program; education component.
1002.87 - School readiness program; eligibility and enrollment.
1002.89 - School readiness program; funding.
1002.895 - Market rate schedule.
1002.90 - School readiness cost-of-care information.
1002.91 - Investigations of fraud or overpayment; penalties.
1002.92 - Child care and early childhood resource and referral.
1002.93 - School readiness program transportation services.
1002.945 - Gold Seal Quality Care Program.
1002.95 - Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (TEACH) Scholarship Program.
1002.96 - Early Head Start collaboration grants.
1002.97 - Records of children in the school readiness program.
1002.995 - Early learning professional development standards and career pathways.