The proposed revisions update the rule and incorporated form.

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Division of Early Learning

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

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

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed revisions update the rule and incorporated form.

SUMMARY: The rule and incorporated form provide a standardized format and required content for early learning coalition school readiness plans for coalition administration of the school readiness program.

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: The office's economic analysis of the adverse impact or potential regulatory costs of the proposed rule does not exceed any of the criteria established in s. 120.541(2)(a), F.S.

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: 1002.85(1), F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1002.85, F.S.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: March 30, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Collier County School Board Office, 5775 Osceola Trail Naples, FL 34109.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Katerina Maroney, Deputy Director of Programs and Policy, Division of Early Learning, 250 Marriott Dr., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, [phone]; [e-mail].

 

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 and Template, Form DELOEL-SR 115, including attachment IV.A “Coalition Budget Report” and attachment IV.B. “Coalition Revenue and Expenditures Report,” (May 2022 October 2018), which is are adopted and hereby incorporated by reference. A copy of Form DEL OEL-SR 115 may be obtained at the division office website at www.floridaearlylearning.com or by contacting the Division Office of Early Learning, Department of Education, 250 Marriott Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The incorporated form is also available at: (placeholder for reference link) http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-09832. Rule Chapter 69I-73, F.A.C. (March 2008), as cited in the School Readiness Plan Guide, is incorporated by reference. A copy of the rule chapter may be obtained by contacting the Division Office of Early Learning at the address above.

(2) Plan submission. A coalition shall submit its school readiness plan and any amendments in accordance with the instructions found in Form DEL OEL-SR 115.

(a) Each early learning coalition shall submit an electronic copy of its proposed school readiness plan to the Division Office of Early Learning (DEL) (OEL) within 30 days of board approval and before implementation.

(b) The coalition shall submit an amendment to the plan to the division office in the event of a change to any element of the approved plan and before implementation.

(3) DEL OEL review. After receipt of a complete school readiness plan or amendment (including required supporting documents), DEL OEL shall respond to the coalition within 3 business days acknowledging receipt of the plan amendment. DEL 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. DEL OEL shall base its approval, rejection, or approval with conditions on the coalition’s compliance with chapter 1002, Part VI, F.S., the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Block Grant Florida State Plan, the federal CCDF regulations located at Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 98, Subparts B through G and K and the School Readiness Plan Guide. The coalition shall not implement school readiness plans or amendments without the express written approval of DELOEL.

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

Rulemaking Authority 1001.213(2), 1002.85(1) FS. Law Implemented 1002.85 FS. History–New 4-5-15, Amended 5-28-17, 10-21-18,

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Katerina Maroney, Deputy Director of Programs and Policy, Division of Early Learning.

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Richard Corcoran, Commissioner, Department of Education.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: February 18, 2022

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: January 12, 2022