Definitions, Voluntary Prekindergarten Child Eligibility, Voluntary Prekindergarten Parent Application and Procedures, Early Learning Coalition Procedures for Child Registration, Eligibility Determination, and Enrollment, Uniform Attendance Policy ...

DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Agency for Workforce Innovation

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
60BB-8.100: Definitions
60BB-8.200: Voluntary Prekindergarten Child Eligibility
60BB-8.201: Voluntary Prekindergarten Parent Application and Procedures
60BB-8.202: Early Learning Coalition Procedures for Child Registration, Eligibility Determination, and Enrollment
60BB-8.204: Uniform Attendance Policy for the Funding of the VPK Program
60BB-8.300: Voluntary Prekindergarten Provider Application and Procedures
60BB-8.301: Voluntary Prekindergarten Uniform Statewide Provider Agreement
60BB-8.400: VPK Program Class Sizes and Composition

NOTICE OF CHANGE

Notice is hereby given that the following changes have been made to the proposed rule in accordance with subparagraph 120.54(3)(d)1., F.S., published in Vol. 32 No. 38, September 22, 2006 issue of the Florida Administrative Weekly.

60BB-8.100 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the term:

(1) “Absent” or “Aabsence” means an instructional day that a child does not attend (is absent from) a VPK program.

(2) “Admit” or “Aadmission” is a step in the process of enrolling a child in the VPK program. It means a VPK provider agrees to enroll (or admit) the child to its VPK program means a private provider’s or public school’s consent to an early learning coalition enrolling an eligible child in the provider’s or school’s VPK program.

(3)(2) “Attend” or “Aattendance” means an instructional day, either in whole or in part, that a child is present (or attends) at a VPK program.

(4) “Child application” means Form AWI-VPK 01 (Child Application) incorporated by reference in Rule 60BB-8.2018.900, F.A.C. The term includes the online application that may be obtained at the following website: http://www. vpkflorida.org.

(5) “Class application” means Form AWI-VPK 11 (Class Registration Application) incorporated by reference in Rule 60BB‑8.9008.300, F.A.C.

(6)(3) “Early learning coalition” or “Coalition” means an early learning coalition created under Section 411.01, F.S.

(7) “Enroll” or “Eenrollment” is the final step in the process of entering (or enrolling) a child in the VPK program. It means officially entering the child’s name in the statewide information system as a VPK student means recording an association in the statewide information system between a child determined eligible for the VPK program and the VPK class assigned by the private provider or public school admitting the child in the program.

(8) “Excused absence” means an instructional day from which a child is absent from a VPK program for a reason listed in paragraph 60BB‑8.204(3)(b), F.A.C.

(9) “Instructional day” means a calendar day that a VPK private provider delivers scheduled instruction for the VPK program or public school is scheduled to instruct to a child’s VPK class.

(10) “Parent”, has the same meaning as the term defined in Section 1000.21, F.S. means a parent by blood, marriage, or adoption. The term includes a stepparent, foster parent, legal guardian or custodian, or other person standing in loco parentis.

(11) “Private provider” means a private prekindergarten provider as defined in Section 1002.51, F.S.

 (11)(12) “Program year” means the annual period beginning in one calendar year on the first day that a school-year program may begin instruction under subsection 60BB‑8.451(1), F.A.C., and ending in the next calendar year on the last day by which a summer program must complete instruction under subsection 60BB-8.451(2), F.A.C. A program year is designated by the corresponding calendar years (e.g., 20076-20087, 20087-20098).

(12)(13) “Provider application” means Form AWI-VPK 10 (Statewide Provider Registration Application) incorporated by reference in Rule 60BB-8.3008.900, F.A.C.

(13)(14) “Qualified contractor” means an entity performing the duties of an early learning coalition under contract, including conducting the parent orientation session or video exhibition; registering a provider, child or class; determining child or provider eligibility; and enrolling children in the statewide information system. This definition does not include a private entity that derives more than 5 percent of its income, excluding income that the entity derives from the Federal Government for Head Start, from providing child care as defined in Section 402.302, F.S. This definition does not include a school district or public school. A coalition is ultimately responsible for its duties when they are performed by a qualified contractor with the coalition as described in Rule 60BB-8.901, F.A.C.

(14)(15) “Register” or “Rregistration” is a step in the enrollment process. To register a child in the VPK program means to submit the Child Application form and supporting documents to a coalition for evaluation, in order to determine the child’s eligibility for the program means a parent’s submission of a child application and supporting documentation to an early learning coalition for his or her child to be determined eligible for in the VPK program.

(15)(16) “School-year program” means a school-year prekindergarten program delivered by a private provider under Section 1002.55, F.S., or by a public school under Section 1002.63, F.S.

(16)(17) “Summer program” means a summer prekindergarten program delivered by a private provider or public school under Section 1002.61, F.S.

(17)(18) “Unexcused absence” means an instructional day from which a child is absent from a VPK program and which is not an excused absence under paragraph 60BB-8.204(3)(b), F.A.C.

(18) “VPK class” means a private provider’s or public school’s prekindergarten class that includes a child in the VPK program.

(19) “VPK program” means the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program created under by Section 1002.53, F.S., and which is organized, designed, and delivered in accordance with Section 1(b) and (c), Article Article. IX of the State Constitution.

(20) “VPK provider” means a provider delivering the VPK program. There are two types of VPK providers: private prekindergarten providers as defined in Section 1002.51, F.S. and public schools. “VPK class” means a private provider’s or public school’s prekindergarten class that includes a child in the VPK program.

(21) “VPK site” means the permanent physical location where a private provider or public school delivers instruction for the VPK program.

Specific Authority 1002.79(2) FS. Law Implemented 1002.51, 1002.53(2), (4), 1002.55(2), (3)(g), 1002.61(2)(a), (7)(a), 1002.63(2), (8)(a), 1002.71(2), (6)(d), 1002.75(2)(a), (c), (d) FS. History–New 1-19-06, Amended_________.

 

60BB-8.200 Documenting Voluntary PreKindergarden Child Eligibility for the VPK Program.

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 eEligibility

(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:

(a) A coalition shall document that a child is 4years of age, but not 5 years of age or older, on or before September 1 of the program year and shall keep in its records on the child a copy of at least one of the following types of supporting documentation which show 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 a public officer charged with the duty of recording births;

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; that the certificate is true and correct;

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

4. A religious record of the child’s birth which is accompanied by an affidavit sworn to or affirmed by the child’s parent that the record is true and correct;

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

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

6.7. 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.

(b)i. If a child’s parent is unable to submit a none of the type of 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 officer or physician examined the child and believes that the age shown in the affidavit is true and correct.

(2) Residential Eeligibility.

(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 in Florida when. the child attends the VPK program and shall keep in its records on the child lives, not test the legal residency of the child. 2. a copy of at least one of the following types of supporting documentation which shows the name and residential address of a parent with whom the child resides:

1. Utility bill;

2. Pay Stub; Bank statement:

3. Residential rental agreement or receipt from rental payment Insurance policy;

4. Pay stub; or 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; or

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).

(b) If a child’s parent is a service member in the United States Armed Forces and is unable to submit a type of supporting documentation listed in paragraph (a), the coalition shall document the child’s residency based on a military order showing that the parent is assigned to duty in Florida when the child attends the VPK program (e.g., permanent change of station).

(c) If a child’s parent is unable to submit a type of supporting documentation listed in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b), the coalition shall document the child’s residency based on an affidavit sworn to or affirmed by the child’s parent. The affidavit must be, accompanied by a letter from a landlord or property owner which confirms that the child resides at the this address shown in the affidavit.

(d) A coalition may not determine that a homeless child, as defined in Section 1003.01, F.S., is not eligible for the VPK Program because the child’s parent is unable to submit a type of supporting documentation listed in paragraphs (a)-(c) A coalition shall document a homeless child’s residency based on supporting documentation 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)(b), 1002.69(4), 1002.75(2)(a), 1003.01, 1003.21(1)(a)2. FS. History–New 1-19-06, Amended________.

 

60BB-8.201 Child Registration Procedures; Voluntary Prekindergarden Parent Application Procedures; Parent-Orientation Session.

(1) Child application. A parent registering his or her child for the VPK program must:

(a) Complete and sign Form AWI-VPK 01 (Child Application), dated February 14, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference with instructions and may be obtained as described in Rule 60BB‑8.900, F.A.C.; or Alternatively, a parent may register online through the Internet website http://www.vpkflorida.org, electronically submit the registration, and print confirmation of the online registration.

(b) Submit a complete and signed Form AWI-VPK 01, or submit the printed confirmation of an online registration, to the coalition of the county where the VPK site is located for the VPK provider admitting the child in the VPK program, regardless of the county in which the child resides. A parent must also submit the supporting documents showing the child’s age and residential address which are required under Rule 60BB-8.200, F.A.C.

(b) Complete an online application, print the online application, and sign the printed online application. An online application may be obtained at the following website: http://www.vpkflorida.org.

(2) Re-Registration Submission of child application; supporting documentation

(a) A parent must re-register his or her child for the VPK program with the submit a complete and signed Form AWI-VPK 01 or printed online application to the early learning  coalition of the county where the VPK provider’s VPK site is located if the parent initially registered the child with the coalition of another county for the private provider or public school admitting the child in the VPK program, regardless of the county in which the child resides. A parent must submit a child application with the supporting documentation of the child’s age and residential address which are required under Rule 60BB‑8.200, F.A.C.

(b)1. If a parent registers his or her child for the VPK program in one county, a private provider or public school admits the child in another county, and the provider’s or school’s VPK site is located in a county outside of the geographic region of the coalition registering the child, the parent must re-register the child with the coalition of the county where the provider’s or school’s VPK site is located.

(b)2. Re-registration is the responsibility of a child’s parent. To assist a parent with re-registration, a coalition may enter into one or more agreements with another coalitions to provide for the transfer of a child application and supporting documents between the documentation to appropriate coalitions. If a coalition conducts a parent-orientation session for a child’s parent but subsequently transfers the child’s registration to another coalition, the parent is not required to repeat the parent‑orientation session.

(3)(c) A coalition shall designate one or more various locations throughout the coalition’s geographic region where a parent may submit a child application and supporting documents documentation. A parent may obtain contact information for a coalition from the Office of Early Learning of the Agency for Workforce Innovation at [phone], [phone], TTY/Florida Relay 711, 1(866)357-3239 and at the Internet following website: http://www.vpkflorida.org.

(4)(3) Parent-Oorientation Ssession or Video Exhibition.

(a) A coalition shall conduct a face-to-face parent-orientation session or exhibit a parent-orientation video for a parent or group of parents registering their his or her children for the VPK program. During a parent-orientation session or video exhibition, a coalition shall: describe substantially the following information:

1. Give the parent aAn overview of the VPK program;

2. Describe tThe parental rights and responsibilities listed in Form AWI-VPK 06 (Voluntary Prekindergarten Parent Handbook), dated August 15, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference and may be obtained as described in Rule 60BB-8.900, F.A.C.,; and provide the parent with a copy of the handbook;

3. Describe aA parent’s choice between a school-year program and summer program and the differences between the programs, including the required number of instructional hours, minimum and maximum class sizes, and instructor credentials; and

4. Describe aA parent’s choices among VPK private providers and public schools.;

5.(b)1. During a parent-orientation session, a coalition shall Iinform the parent about the coalition’s child care resource and referral program, the availability of the telephone number of the child care resource and referral program, and the child care resource and referral program to give the parent a customized referral list of VPK private providers and public schools in the VPK program, and the contact information for the child care resource and referral program;.

6.2. Inform the A coalition, if the coalition posts profiles of private providers and public schools in the VPK program on the coalition’s website, shall inform a parent of the uniform resource locator for the coalition’s Internet website., if the coalition posts profiles of VPK providers in the VPK program on the website. A coalition shall also inform a parent that the profiles may be obtained at the Internet following website: http://www.myflorida.com/childcare/provider;.

7.3. Inform the parent about the profiles of VPK providers on A coalition shall keep current the profile of a private provider or public school in the coalition’s geographic region through the VPK web portal of the Child Care Information System administered by the Department of Children and Family Services at the Internet following website: http://199.250.30.131/VPK/Administration/ http://199.250.30. 131/childcare/provider/providersearch.aspx.

A coalition shall keep the profiles of VPK providers in the coalition’s geographic region current on the system;

8. Provide the parent with Form AWI‑RR 63 (A Family Guide for Selecting Quality Early Learning Programs), dated June 30, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference and may be obtained as described in Rule 60BB-8.900, F.A.C.; and

9. Provide the parent with Form AWI-RR 64 (A Quality Checklist for Evaluating Early Learning Programs), dated June 30, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference and may be obtained as described in Rule 60BB-8.900, F.A.C.

(b)(c)1. A coalition is not required to conduct a parent-orientation session or exhibit a parent-orientation video for a child’s parent if the coalition:

1.a. The coalition cConducts a face-to-face parent-orientation session or determines the child’s eligibility face-to-face with the child’s parent for another early learning program (e.g., school readiness program, program for prekindergarten children with disabilities, Head Start),; the coalition b. mMaintains the child’s records of the early learning program for which the coalition conducts the parent orientation session;, and c. vVerifies that the child’s date of birth in the records of the other early learning program is the same as on the child application and supporting documents that the parent submits;.

2. Another coalition transferring the child’s registration already conducted the parent-orientation session or exhibited the parent-orientation video and the coalition; or

3.2. A coalition is not required to conduct a parent-orientation session for a child’s parent if Tthe parent is a service member in the United States Armed Forces, and the parent is unable to attend a parent-orientation session or video exhibition because of the parent is assigned to duty outside of Florida, and the parent submits to the coalition a military order showing that the parent is assigned to duty in Florida when the child attends the VPK program (e.g., permanent change of station) to the coalition.

(d) A coalition shall give a parent a copy of FormAWI‑VPK06 (Voluntary Prekindergarten Parent Handbook), Form AWI‑RR63 (AFamily Guide for Selecting Quality Early Learning Programs), and Form AWI-RR 64 (A Quality Checklist for Evaluating Early Learning Programs), incorporated by reference in Rule 60BB-8.900, F.A.C. If a coalition conducts a parent‑orientation session, the coalition shall give FormAWI-VPK 06, FormAWI‑RR63, and Form AWI-VPK 64 to the parent during the parent-orientation session.

(c) If, under paragraph(c) or paragraph (d), a coalition does not conduct a parent-orientation session or exhibit a parent-orientation video for a child’s parent, the coalition shall provide Form AWI-VPK 06, Form AWI-RR 63, and Form AWI‑RR64 to the parent by mail or other means.

Specific Authority 1002.79(2) FS. Law Implemented 1002.53(4), (5), 1002.75(2)(a), (b) FS. History–New 1-19-06, Amended________.

 

60BB-8.202 Child Eligibility Determination and Enrollment Procedures Early Learning Coalition Procedures for Child Registration, Eligibility Determination, and Enrollment.

(1) Determining Child Eligibility determination.

(a) An early learning coalition, in accordance with Rule 60BB-8.200, F.A.C., shall determine the eligibility of a child registering for the VPK program under Rule 60BB-8.201, F.A.C., or Rule 60BB‑8.2015, F.A.C.

(b) A If Rule 60BB-8.201, F.A.C., requires a coalition to conduct a parent-orientation session for a child’s parent, the  coalition shall determine a the child’s eligibility face-to-face with the child’s parent unless the coalition is not required under paragraph 60BB-8.201(4)(b), F.A.C., to conduct a parent-orentiation session or exhibit a parent-orientation video for the child’s parent during the parent-orientation session.

(c)1. A coalition, upon determining that a child is eligible for the VPK program, shall issue the child’s parent Form AWI‑VPK 02 (Child Eligibility and Enrollment Certificate), dated February 14, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference and may be obtained as described in Rule 60BB‑8.900, F.A.C.

2. A coalition may issue a certificate of eligibility which is substantially similar to Form AWI-VPK 02 if the certificate:

a. Includes the phrases “State of Florida” and “Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program;”

b. Includes the name of the early learning coalition issuing the certificate, or on whose behalf the certificate is issued;

c. Identifies the program year and type of program (i.e.,school‑year or summer program) for which the certificate is issued;

d. Clearly shows the eligible child’s name and identifying information; and

e. Does not include the logo of the Agency for Workforce Innovation, logo of the Office of Early Learning, or AWI form number (i.e., Form AWI-VPK 02)

(2) Enrollment.

(a) A VPK private provider or public school may only not  enroll a child in the VPK program after before the coalition determines that the child is eligible for the program. To enroll an eligible child, the VPK private provider or public school admitting the child must submit to the coalition the child’s name and identifying information shown on the child’s certificate of eligibility and the child’s assigned VPK class to  which the provider or school assigns the coalition child.

(b) A coalition must allow may not prohibit a VPK private  provider to or public school from enrolling a child who because the child resides in a Florida county other than the county where the provider’s or school’s VPK site is located.

 (c) A VPK private  provider or public school may only enroll a child with the coalition of the county where the provider’s or school’s VPK site is located, regardless of the county in which the child resides.

(d) A coalition shall complete a child’s enrollment in the statewide information system by recording an association in the statewide information system between the child and the child’s assigned VPK class to which the private provider or public school assigns the child. A coalition is encouraged, but not required, to notify a parent by mail after his or her child’s enrollment is complete.

Specific Authority 1002.79(2) FS. Law Implemented 1002.53(2), 1002.75(2)(a) FS. History–New 1-19-06, Amended_______.

 

60BB-8.204 Uniform Attendance Policy for the Funding of the VPK Program.

(1) Payment for the VPK program. An early learning coalition shall pay a private provider or public school for the VPK program in accordance with this rule.

(2) No change.

(3) Payment for absences.

(a) through (b) No change.

(c) An excused absence is not payable unless the reason for the absence is documented in writing and submitted to the VPK private provider or public school. A VPK private provider or public school must keep the documentation for at least 1 2 years, allow the Agency for Workforce Innovation or the coalition to inspect the documentation during normal hours of operation, and, upon request of the coalition, submit a copy of the documentation to the coalition upon request.

1. A child’s parent may document (e.g., parent’s note) seven or fewer excused absences per calendar month.

2. Beyond seven excused absences, a person other than the child’s parent must document the excused absence, the person must be unrelated to the child or the child’s parent, and the documentation must show that the person has personal knowledge of the reason for the child’s absence (e.g., letter from a physician).

(d) through (e) No change.

(4) Payment for temporary closures.

(a) A temporary closure is payable if a VPK private provider or public school submits written documentation to the coalition which demonstrates that the closure is temporary and caused by circumstances beyond the provider’s or school’s control.

(b) through (e) No change.

(f) A temporary closure is not payable if a VPK private provider or public school does not reopen and resume instruction after the closure. A coalition shall assist a child with reenrollment if the child’s VPK program does not resume instruction after a temporary closure.

 (g) through (h) No change.

Specific Authority 1002.79(2) FS. Law Implemented 1002.71(6)(d) FS. History–New 8-17-06, Amended________.

 

60BB-8.300 Provider and Class Registration Procedures; Application; Eligibility Determination Voluntary Prekindergarten Provider Application and Procedures.

(1) Statewide Provider Registration Application; Supporting Documents documentation.

(a) A VPK private provider or public school registering for the VPK program must complete and sign Form AWI-VPK 10 (Statewide Provider Registration Application), dated February 14, 2007, version date 04/29/2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference with instructions and may be obtained as described in Rule 60BB-8.900, F.A.C.

(b)  Before delivering instruction or receiving payment for the VPK Program, a VPK A private provider or public school must submit a complete and signed Form AWI-VPK 10, including supporting documents, to the early learning coalition in of the county of the VPK provider’s site where the provider’s school or school’s VPK site is located. If a VPK  private provider or public school has more than one VPK site, the provider or school must submit a separate Form AWI-VPK 10 for each site. A private provider or public school must submit Form AWI-VPK 10 with the supporting documentation required in the instructions accompanying the form.

(c) Once a VPK provider is determined eligible for the VPK program, the provider is not required to resubmit Form AWI-VPK 10 for a subsequent program year unless the submitted information on the prior year’s application changes. If submitted information changes, the VPK provider must submit an updated Form AWI-VPK 10 to the coalition within 14 calendar days after the submitted information changes. A coalition may not pay a private provider or public school for the VPK program unless the coalition has in its records on the provider or school a current, complete, and signed form AWI-VPK 10 for the provider or school.

(d) If a private provider or public school submits information on Form AWI-VPK 10 which changes, the provider or school must submit an updated Form AWI-VPK 10 to the coalition within 10 calendar days after the change. After a coalition determines that a private provider or public school is eligible for the VPK program, the provider or school is not required to submit Form AWI-VPK 10 for a subsequent program year unless the information submitted on the prior year’s application changes.

(2) Class registration application; supporting documentation.

(a) A private provider or public school must annually complete and sign Form AWI-VPK 11 (Class Registration Application), dated February 14, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference with instructions and may be obtained as described in Rule 60BB-8.900, F.A.C.

(b) Before delivering instruction or receiving payment for the VPK Program, a VPK provider A private provider or public school must submit a complete and signed Form AWI-VPK 11, including supporting documents, to the coalition. If a VPK private provider or public school has more than one VPK class, the provider or school must submit a separate Form AWI-VPK 11 with supporting documents for each class. A private provider or public school must submit Form AWI-VPK 11 with the supporting documentation required in the instructions accompanying the form.

(c) A coalition may not pay a private provider or public school for a child enrolled in a VPK class unless the coalition has in its records on the provider or school a current, complete, and signed form AWI-VPK 11 for the class.

(c)(d) If submitted information changes, a VPK private  provider or public school submits information on Form AWI-VPK 11 which changes, the provider or school must submit an updated class application to the coalition within 14 10  calendar days after the change.

(3) Eligibility determination. A coalition, in accordance with Sections 1002.55, 1002.61, and 1002.63, F.S., shall determine the eligibility of a private provider or public school registering for the VPK program in accordance with Sections 1002.55, 1002.61, and 1002.63, F.S., based on the submitted documents.

Specific Authority 1002.79(2) FS. Law Implemented 1002.55(3), (4), 1002.61(3), (7)(a), 1002.63(3), (4), (8)(a), 1002.75(2)(c), (d) FS. History–New 1-19-06, Amended________.

 

60BB-8.301 Statewide Provider Agreement for the VPK Program Voluntary Prekindergarten Uniform Statewide Provider Agreement.

 (1)(a) An early learning coalition may not pay a VPK private provider or public school for the VPK program, except under a provider agreement with the coalition. A coalition must be a party to a provider agreement, even if a qualified contractor signs on behalf of the coalition. If a coalition allows a qualified contractor to sign a provider agreement on behalf of the coalition, the coalition remains a party to the agreement. A school district may sign a provider agreement on behalf of a public school in the district.

(2)(b) A coalition shall keep a signed copy of a provider agreement in the coalition’s records on the VPK private provider or public school.

(3)(2)(a) A provider agreement shall contain identical terms and conditions as Form AWI-VPK 20 (Statewide Provider Agreement), dated February 14, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference and may be obtained as described in Rule 60BB-8.900 F.A.C. A Except as provided in paragraph (b), a provider agreement may not omit, supplement, or amend the terms and conditions of Form AWI-VPK 20, unless:

(b) A coalition may enter into a provider agreement that omits, supplements, or amends the terms and conditions of Form AWI-VPK 20, if

(a)1. The coalition submits the agreement to the Office of Early Learning of the Agency for Workforce Innovation in writing, dated, and signed by the coalition and the VPK private   provider or public school; and

(b)2. The Deputy Director for Early Learning approves the agreement.

Specific Authority 1002.79(2) FS. Law Implemented 1002.55(3)(g), 1002.61(7)(a), 1002.63(8)(a), 1002.75 FS. History–New 8-17-06, Amended________.

 

60BB-8.400 VPK Program Class Sizes; Blended Classes; Multi-Class Groups and Composition.

(1) No change.

(2) Minimum class size. A VPK class must be composed of at least four children enrolled in the VPK program.

(a) An early learning coalition may not issue the initial prepayment for a VPK class unless at least four children in the class are enrolled in the VPK program.

(b) No change.

(c) If a VPK class is composed of four or fewer children enrolled in the VPK program, the VPK private provider or public school may not dismiss from the class a child enrolled in the program, unless:, within 3 business days after the child’s dismissal, the VPK provider submits to the coalition written documentation of the child’s noncompliance with the conduct or attendance policies of the provider.

1. The private provider or public school documents in writing the child’s noncompliance with the conduct or attendance policies of the provider or school district, as A applicable; and

2. The private provider or public school submits documentation of the child’s noncompliance to the coalition within 3 business days after the child’s dismissal.

(3) No change.

Specific Authority 1002.79(2) FS. Law Implemented 1002.55(3)(e), 1002.61(6), 1002.63(7) FS. History–New 8-17-06, Amended________.