6A-6.03026: Special Programs for Prekindergarten Children with Disabilities
6A-6.03030: Special Programs for Children Birth Through Two Years Old who have Established Conditions
6A-6.03031: Special Programs for Children Birth Through Two Years Old who are Developmentally Delayed
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule development is to revise Rule 6A-6.03026, F.A.C., for the purpose of conforming references and rule titles to revised rules and to remove obsolete and redundant language. The effect will be a rule that includes accurate references. Additionally the rule is being revised to clarify that an individual educational plan team may recommend that a child with a disability who is eligible for public kindergarten in accordance with Section 1003.21, Florida Statutes, may continue to receive services in the prekindergarten program for one additional year. While presently permitted in rule, there is no specific limitation with regard to the amount of time this is allowed. The draft language also stipulates that parent or guardian must be informed of the implications of remaining in the prekindergarten program for an additional year. The effect will be increased parental awareness and understanding of the implications of such a decision. Rules 6A-6.03030 and 6A-6.03031, F.A.C., are being revised to ensure that procedures and practices for evaluating and determining eligibility for infants and toddlers with established conditions and developmental delays conform to the requirements of the Department of Health Early Steps Program. The Department of Health is the lead agency for early intervention services provided to infants and toddlers with disabilities through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In collaboration with Early Steps, school districts may provide early intervention services for eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities. The effect will be rules that align with the definitions and requirements of the Department of Health.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Criteria for eligibility as an infant or toddler with an established condition or developmental delay and definitions of a prekindergarten child with a disability and the instructional program.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 1003.01, 1003.21, 1003.57 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1003.01, 1003.21, 1003.57 FS.
A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: July 26, 2012, 1:30 p.m.
PLACE: Via telephone conference call at 1(888)670-3525; participant pass code is 2977283213; participants may access a presentation by linking to http://fcim.adobeconnect.com/rule/ immediately prior to the telephone conference call. For anyone wishing to attend in person: Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Room 605, Tallahassee, Florida at the time provided above.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Monica Verra-Tirado, Ed.D., Chief, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, (850)245-0475. To submit a comment on this rule development go to: https://app1.fldoe.org/rules/default.aspx
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:
Available at: https://app1.fldoe.org/rules/default.aspx
