60BB-8.200. Documenting Child Eligibility for the VPK Program (Transferred)

An early learning coalition shall determine the eligibility of a child registering for the VPK program in accordance with Section 1002.53(2), F.S. A coalition shall document a child’s eligibility, as follows:

(1) Age eligibility.

(a) To be eligible for VPK, a child must be 4 years of age, but not 5 years of age or older, on September 1 of the program year.

(b) The Coalition shall keep a record of at least one of the following supporting documents that shows the child’s name and date of birth:

1. An original or certified copy of the child’s birth record filed according to law with the appropriate public officer;

2. An original or certified copy of the child’s certificate of baptism or other religious record of the child’s birth, accompanied by an affidavit stating that the certificate is true and correct, sworn to or affirmed by the child’s parent;

3. An insurance policy on the child’s life which has been in force for at least 2 years;

4. A passport or certificate of the child’s arrival in the United States;

5. An immunization record signed by a public health officer or licensed practicing physician; or

6. A valid military dependent identification card.

7. If no supporting documents listed in subparagraphs (1)(b)1.-6. above are available, a coalition may accept a parent’s sworn affidavit of the child’s age accompanied by a certificate of age signed by a public health officer or physician stating that the child’s age shown in the affidavit is true and correct.

(c) If a child’s parent is unable to submit any of the supporting documentation listed in paragraph (a), the coalition shall document the child’s age based on an affidavit sworn to or affirmed by the child’s parent. The affidavit must be accompanied by a certificate of age, signed by a public health officer or by a licensed practicing physician which states that the physician has examined the child and believes that the age shown in the affidavit is true and correct.

(2) Residential eligibility.

(a) To be eligible for VPK, a child must reside in Florida while attending the VPK program.

(b) The coalition shall keep a record of at least one of the following supporting documents that shows the name and residential address of a parent with whom the child resides:

1. Utility bill;

2. Pay stub;

3. Residential rental agreement or receipt from rental payment;

4. Government-issued document (e.g., Florida driver’s license, Florida identification card, property tax assessment showing a homestead exemption); or

5. Military order showing that the child’s parent is a service member in the United States Armed Forces and is assigned to duty in Florida when the child attends the VPK program (e.g., permanent change of station).

6. If no supporting documents listed in subparagraphs (2)(b)1.-5. above are available, a coalition may accept an affidavit sworn to or affirmed by the child’s parent accompanied by a letter from a landlord or property owner which confirms that the child resides at the address shown in the affidavit.

7. If no supporting documents listed in subparagraphs (2)(b)1.-6. above are available for a homeless child as defined in Section 1003.01, F.S., a coalition shall document residency based on other supporting documents showing that the child is homeless and resides in Florida (e.g., letter from a homeless shelter or affidavit sworn to or affirmed by the child’s parent).

Specific Authority 1002.79(2) FS. Law Implemented 1002.53(2), (3), (4), 1002.69(4), 1002.75(2)(a), 1003.01, 1003.21(1)(a)2. FS. History–New 1-19-06, Amended 5-24-07.