The purpose of the proposed coalition rule development is to establish the content and criteria for approval of plans and the format and procedures for submission of early learning coalition plans to the Office of Early Learning (OEL) for review and ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Florida's Office of Early Learning

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

6M-9.115School Readiness Plan Requirements

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed coalition rule development is to establish the content and criteria for approval of plans and the format and procedures for submission of early learning coalition plans to the Office of Early Learning (OEL) for review and approval.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule will address development of plans for implementing school readiness programs to meet the requirements of Section 1002.85(2) and (3), Florida Statutes, for school readiness programs, the criteria for approval of school readiness plans, the content and format of plans and the procedure for submission and revision of plans.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: Regarding Rule 6M-9.115, F.A.C., a SERC is not required because the rule will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 1001.213(2), 1002.85(1) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1002.85 FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: January 26, 2015, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or at the conclusion of business whichever is earlier

PLACE: GoToWebinar; to obtain information regarding how to register for the webinar go to: http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/oel_resources/rules_guidance_technical_assistance/proposed_rules.aspx

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting: . If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Katerina Maroney [phone]

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

6M-9.115 Procedures and Criteria for Approval of School Readiness Plans.

(1) Plan development. Each early learning coalition shall develop and implement a school readiness plan. The school readiness plan shall include the minimum standards as required by Section 1002.85(2)., F.S., and the School Readiness Plan Guide,  Form OEL-SR 115, dated September 2014, which is adopted and hereby incorporated by reference. A copy of Form OEL-SR 115 may be obtained at the office website at www.floridaearlylearning.com or by contacting the Office of Early Learning, Department of Education, 250 Marriott Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The incorporated form is also available at: <placeholder for FAR reference materials link>.

(2) Plan submission. Each early learning coalition shall submit an electronic copy of its proposed school readiness plan, and any proposed amendments, to the Office of Early Learning (OEL) within 30 days of board approval and before implementation. A coalition shall submit its school readiness plan and any amendments in accordance with the instructions found in form OEL-SR 115.

(3) OEL review. After receipt of a complete school readiness plan or amendment (including required supporting documents), OEL shall respond to the coalition within 3 business days acknowledging receipt of the plan amendment.  OEL shall review the plan or amendment and approve, reject, or approve with conditions the provisions of the plan or amendment and provide written notification to the early learning coalition of its action within 30 business days of receipt of the completed document.  OEL shall base its approval, rejection, or approval with conditions on the coalition’s compliance with section Chapter 1002, Florida Statutes, the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Block Grant Florida State Plan, the federal CCDF regulations, Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 98, and the School Readiness Plan Guide. School readiness plans or amendments cannot be implemented without the express written approval of OEL.

(4) Rejection of school readiness plans. If OEL rejects a school readiness plan or amendment, it shall specify, in writing, the grounds for rejection. If OEL rejects a school readiness plan amendment, the early learning coalition is required to continue to operate under its prior approved plan.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.213(2), 1002.85(1) FS. Law Implemented 1002.85 FS. History–New_________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Reginal Williams, Program Integrity Manager

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Rodney MacKinnon, Interim Executive Director

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 18, 2014

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: August 29, 2014