http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/EarlyLearning/OEL_Program_ProposedRulesNotices.html

Workshop:

Friday, 2/17/12

1:00 – 4:00 pm

Florida’s Office of Early Learning

250 Marriott Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Workshop:

Friday, 2/24/12

1:00 – 4:00 pm

Florida’s Office of Early Learning

250 Marriott Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32399

SB 1758 by Sen. Flores (R-Miami)

BCAS 12-04 by Rep. Ahern (R-St. Petersburg)

Given the unfortunate findings of the recently released Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning Programs FACCM asked Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) to file legislation to help create a more efficient and effective early learning program that better serves Florida’s children. The legislation, SB 1758, removes some rule authority for the Office of Early Learning, defines what an affordable parent contribution is for school readiness and creates a statutory formula for reimbursement for school readiness dollars, limits what addendum can be added to statewide contracts and requires school districts that offer optional VPK program to separately account for the revenues and expenses outside the general ledger.

There was no action on SB 1758 during Week 4.

The House Business and Consumer Affairs Committee took up legislation to address issues raised in the recently released Auditor General’s report. This legislation creates the powers and duties of the Office of Early Learning, Early Learning Coalitions, and providers. The legislation creates a new funding formula for school readiness dollars and reduces wasteful overhead in this program and dedicates the savings to reducing children from the waiting list. The bill does not reduce funding for either Gold Seal or School Readiness, but instead reduces coalition spending allowing a corresponding increase in the number of available slots. The bill further details penalties for provider and parent fraud in school readiness. The PCB passed the Business and Consumer Affairs Committee by a vote of 11-4. Click here to read the language of PCB BCAS 12-04 .

Budget Conforming Legislation on School Readiness Funding

HB 5103 by Rep. Coley (R-Marianna)

This legislation is a budget conforming bill that removes discretion from ELC’s to set their individual school readiness funding formula and places caps on excessive spending by the Early Learning Coalitions. According to the legislative staff analysis, HB 5103 will free up an additional $26 million dollars that will be dedicated to slots for children on the waiting list. Click here to read the staff analysis . HB 5103 was taken up by the House Appropriations Committee and passed unanimously.

We expect the Senate to begin work on their conforming bills next week during Week 5.

Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program

HB 7085 by Rep. Fresen (R-Miami)

This legislation increases accountability of early learning coalitions by requiring auditor general audits of Early Learning Coalitions, mandating that OEL adopt a statewide provider agreement to be used by each Early Learning Coalition that cannot include addendums, repeals the aspiration goals for VPK and repeals the Florida Early Learning Advisory Council. Click here to read the staff analysis of HB 7085 .

Child Safety Devices in Motor Vehicles

SB 196 by Sen. Altman (R-Melbourne) – HB 151 by Rep. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach). This legislation increases the child safety requirements for children in motor vehicles from 5 years old to 7 years old if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height. The infraction would be a moving violation with limited exceptions. The legislation will take effect January 1, 2013. There is no exception for child care facilities.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 4.

Transportation Alarms

SB 274 by Sen. Sachs (D-Delray) – HB 419 by Rep. Berman (D-Delray Beach)

This bill would require that by January 1, 2013, vehicles used by child care facilities and large family day care homes to transport children be equipped with DCF approved transportation alarms that prompt the driver to check for children before exiting the vehicle.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 2.

Teacher Credentials in VPK

SB 856 by Sen. Rich (D-Sunrise) – HB 793 by Rep. Jenne (D-Ft. Lauderdale)

This legislation, if passed, would require that by January 1, 1015 private prekindergarten providers and public schools offering school year prekindergarten program must use bachelor degreed teachers.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 4.

Child Care Facilities

SB 1222 by Sen. Detert (R-Venice) -

This legislation would add “appropriate use of confining equipment, periods of physical activity and limited screen time” as defined by DCF rule to the required written plan of activities already required under s. 402.305, F.S..

There was no activity on this bill during Week 4.

Important Dates to Remember

January 10, 2012 – Legislative Session Begins

January 10, 2012 – Deadline for filing bills for introduction

February 28, 2012 – Last day for regularly scheduled committee meetings

March 9, 2012 – Last day of Regular Session

SB 1758 by Sen. Flores (R-Miami)

Given the unfortunate findings of the recently released Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning Programs, we asked Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) to file legislation to help create a more efficient and effective early learning program that better serves Florida’s children.  The legislation, SB 1758, removes some rule authority for the Office of Early Learning; defines what an affordable parent contribution is for school readiness; limits what addenda can be added to statewide contracts; and requires school districts that offer optional VPK programs to separately account for the revenues and expenses outside the general ledger.  We are now working to move this bill through the legislative process.   Click here to review SB 1758.

Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning

 This week the House Economic Affairs Committee directed the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee to review the findings of the Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning and draft legislation that would work the create a more efficient and focused early learning system.

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 12:30pm to 3:00 pm the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee will view a presentation from the Auditor General on their report.  This will be the first step in the process for this subcommittee to begin crafting a proposed committee bill.

Also on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 12:30 to 3:00 pm the House K-20 Appropriations Subcommittee will also view a presentation from the Auditor General on their report.  Additionally, they will be hearing a presentation from the Office of Early Learning on a new equity formula for school readiness funding.

Governor Scott’s Executive Order on Special Districts

 Governor Rick Scott issued an executive order (EO 12-10) calling for a review of all special districts in Florida by the Office of Policy and Budget.  The goal is to determine whether they are serving a legitimate public purpose, governed efficiently levying taxes, fees and assessments appropriately, being held accountable to the taxpayers, operating in a transparent manner and prudently spending taxpayer dollars.  Children’s Services Councils are special districts.

Click here to review the Governor’s Executive Order.

DCF’s Proposed Food Hygiene Rule

On Monday, January 9, 2012, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) held a workshop on a proposed draft rule on food safety at child care facilities.  At this meeting, DCF representatives walked participants through the draft rule and answered questions and took testimony regarding the new draft rule.  We attended the meeting and thanked them for pulling back from their last draft food safety rule that we objected to.   We expressed concerns with the requirement that walls and ceilings in rooms that store, handle and prepare food be nonabsorbent.  I specifically asked if drop down ceiling were allowed and if they considered wallboard or sheetrock as a nonabsorbent product.  They did not answer the questions but rather took lots of notes on each issue mentioned.

DCF will continue to take testimony on this rule and I would expect that a revised rule will be published based on this testimony.

Child Safety Devices in Motor Vehicles

SB 196 by Sen. Altman (R-Melbourne) – HB 151 by Rep. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach)

This legislation increases the child safety requirements for children in motor vehicles from 5 years old to 7 years old if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height.  The infraction would be a moving violation with limited exceptions.  The legislation will take effect January 1, 2013.  There is no exception for child care facilities.

SB 196 is awaiting action by the Senate Budget Committee.  The House bill has been referred to three committees and has not been heard in any committee at this point.

Transportation Alarms

SB 274 by Sen. Sachs (D-Delray) – HB 419 by Rep. Berman (D-Delray Beach)

This bill would require that by January 1, 2013, vehicles used by child care facilities and large family day care homes to transport children be equipped with DCF- approved transportation alarms that prompt the driver to check for children before exiting the vehicle.

SB 274 has been referred to three committees and has passed its first committee.  HB 419 has been referred to four committees and has yet to be heard in its first committee of reference.

Teacher Credentials in VPK

SB 856 by Sen. Rich (D-Sunrise) – HB 793 by Rep. Jenne (D-Ft. Lauderdale)

This legislation, if passed, would require that by January 1, 1015 private prekindergarten providers and public schools offering school year prekindergarten program must use bachelor degreed teachers.

The Senate bill has been referred to two committees and has not been heard by the first committee of reference, while the House bill has been referred to four committees and has also yet to be heard in the first committee of reference.

Child Care Facilities

SB 1222 by Sen. Detert (R-Venice) -

This legislation would add “appropriate use of confining equipment, periods of physical activity and limited screen time” as defined by DCF rule to the required written plan of activities already required under s. 402.305, F.S.

The bill has been referred to the Children, Families and Elder Affairs and Budget committees.

Legislators have wrapped up their final round of committee meetings in 2011 and are prepared for the start of the 2012 Legislative Session, which begins January 10, 2012.

We are laser-focused on priorities for 2012 that will benefit your child care centers and students. Backed by our well-connected lobbying team of Smith, Bryan & Myers, FACCM heads into the upcoming session in strong standing, having secured victories in 2011 that laid the groundwork for a successful 2012 Legislative Session. Below is a pre-session report for your review:

State Budget Outlook

The New York Times recently published the following chart (the research was provided by College Board) highlighting the spending discrepancies between these two age groups:

Is this the best way to be spending our money?

NO

One economist, James Heckman, argues that we get the most bang for our buck if we invest in early education (contrary to what is actually happening) because the students can then build on that foundation for the remainder of their education. However, if the money is invested as an intervention for older students, it requires a much larger investment in order to remediate the cumulative gaps that have resulted from continuous failure to remediate problems from a younger age.

YES

Of course there is always another side to the coin. A recent study by researchers at Stanford and Harvard Universities has found that by investing in programs for students about to enter college, results in higher college enrollment then focusing on early education.

NO

To go back to the other side of the argument, it is noted that these higher college enrollment rates are not a result of increased skills, but rather the increased accessibility of college for these students. Thus, many of these programs increase the quantity of degrees awarded, whereas, if a student is given a proper foundation from the start of their education they are more likely to gain a quality education.

In terms of where to invest money in education, it all comes down to what we value more: the quality of education or the quantity of college degrees handed out. Of course we can’t abandon spending for one or the other, but it would be wise to consider increased investment in early education, especially with the National Assessment of Educational Progress reporting 2/3rds of students in 4th and 8th grade scoring at basic to below basic reading levels.

What do you think?

FACCM attended the series of VPK Rule Promulgation workshops a few weeks ago.  The state board of education is in review of the comments providers offered and work has continued on drafting language for the VPK state board rule which provides direction on the application process for a good cause exemption.

We will continue working on your behalf to seek statutory changes to 1002.69 F.S. that will delay the rollout of the proposed rule and refine the language on the requirements for good cause exemptions.

Achievement of the statutory changes will afford providers time and opportunities to work with DOE in planning, training and implementing the proposed assessments and readiness measurements.

FACCM is in direct communication with DOE ensuring that the providers concerns are represented as rule development discussions continue.  We are confident that DOE is open to provider input and will work toward developing a rule that will achieve our common goal – preparing children for Kindergarten.

Please click here to read part 1 the current proposed rule and to read part 2 click here

Be sure to stay connected with current legislative news by visiting www.faccm.org and click on 2012 Legislative Updates.

School Readiness Assessments – News

Last week the Senate Education Prek-12 Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. David Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs), held a hearing on assessments of educational gains in VPK and the School Readiness program.  At this meeting the committee heard from the Florida Department of Education, the Office of Early Learning and the Association of Early Learning Coalitions.  Sen. Simmons expressed concern with how long it is taking them to get this done and it is clear from their comments at this meeting that OEL intends on initiating the rulemaking process on a standard school readiness assessment.

To view the School Readiness presentations click on the links below:

DOE presentation

OEL presentation

ELC presentation

FACCM attended the series of VPK Rule Promulgation workshops a few weeks ago.  The state board of education is in review of the comments providers offered and work has continued on drafting language for the VPK state board rule which provides direction on the application process for a good cause exemption.

We will continue working on your behalf to seek statutory changes to 1002.69 F.S. that will delay the rollout of the proposed rule and refine the language on the requirements for good cause exemptions.

Achievement of the statutory changes will afford providers time and opportunities to work with DOE in planning, training and implementing the proposed assessments and readiness measurements.

FACCM is in direct communication with DOE ensuring that the providers concerns are represented as rule development discussions continue.  We are confident that DOE is open to provider input and will work toward developing a rule that will achieve our common goal – preparing children for Kindergarten.

Please click here to read part 1 the current proposed rule and to read part 2 click here

Be sure to stay connected with current legislative news by visiting www.faccm.org and click on 2012 Legislative Updates.

School Readiness Assessments – News

Last week the Senate Education Prek-12 Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. David Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs), held a hearing on assessments of educational gains in VPK and the School Readiness program.  At this meeting the committee heard from the Florida Department of Education, the Office of Early Learning and the Association of Early Learning Coalitions.  Sen. Simmons expressed concern with how long it is taking them to get this done and it is clear from their comments at this meeting that OEL intends on initiating the rulemaking process on a standard school readiness assessment.

To view the School Readiness presentations click on the links below:

DOE presentation

OEL presentation

ELC presentation

Nutrition also affects our children’s growing brains. Brain development is a lifelong process that begins during gestation. It has been shown that mothers who fail to eat a nutritional diet while they are pregnant; detrimentally affect their child’s brain development.  Early childhood is the most important period of brain development during the lifespan.  Research has shown that the proper nutrition received by a child during their first three years helps them to achieve their full potential later in life.  Likewise, children who fail to receive the proper nutrition needed during these intense development years may develop problems that manifest later in life. Such problems may include learning difficulties as well as behavioral problems. A sound nutritional diet affects the brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior. These thought processes and emotional reactions ultimately create the story of our lives. The proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats play a critical factor in achieving optimal brain function.

There are many things we as parents and teachers, can do to teach children to eat soundly and help prevent these serious issues from occurring. By teaching children the importance of making healthy eating choices, we will help them to grow and develop into healthy individuals. Here are some examples on how to teach your child to make healthy eating choices:

• Teach your child about the food plate.  This teaches a child portion control.
• Teach older children to read food labels.
• Help your child to identify good food groups through picture books.
• Let younger children cut out magazine pictures of healthy foods and glue them to a paper plate to be hung on the refrigerator.
• Offer a variety of healthy snacks and let them choose which one they want.
• Limit portion sizes.
• Limit snack times. Children love to snack, even if they are not hungry.

One of the best ways to teach our children good eating habits is through example. Young children love to mimic what adults do. Parents need to show how important eating wisely is by sharing healthy meals together. Take the time to sit down at the dinner table and share a meal, rather than eat in front of the television. Rather than insisting your child try a new food, present one new food at a time and make it fun for them.  Get your child involved in preparing the meals. Young children love to help. Let them assist in preparing meals cooked at home. They can perform simple tasks such as pouring and stirring and progress to measuring as they get older. When the child is involved in preparing the meal, they are more likely to want to taste what they prepare.

Another sound nutritional choice to teach children is to limit beverages, other than water and milk throughout the day. Water and milk are great choices for your child’s growing body. Milk is a huge factor in your child’s health.  Milk contains calcium, which is a huge contributor to your child’s daily nutritional requirements. During the first three years of life, your child needs a daily allowance of 700 mgs of calcium to support proper body functions and provide brain energy. This can be achieved in offering them 2-3 glasses of milk per day. Children need water to survive. A child’s brain is made of up 70% water and their body is 60% water. Poor nutritional choices, resulting in accumulation of fat reduce the amount of water in children’s bodies. Lean tissues hold more water than fat tissues. Our children need to be well hydrated to maintain the demands of this intense developmental age. Offering them water as a drink of choice helps to develop a taste for a low sugar thirst quencher at an early age. This practice will assist them in maintaining proper nutritional balance throughout their life.

As a childcare provider, I have learned there are many ways to teach children about eating healthy and getting the proper nutrients. Parents will be grateful if we work with them to help their children. Teaching proper nutrition to children involves creating a positive attitude and encourages children to accept eating a variety of foods. Teaching children to identify and to group foods will help set a foundation for eating properly throughout their lives. Children must be taught! Nutrition education supports emotional and social development. Proper nutrition leads to healthy brain function, which in turn allows the young child to increase their language skills which affects their social development. Proper nutrition can also be taught through discovery activities, such as science and nature. For example children can learn how vegetables grow in gardens, how cows provide milk on dairy farms and how some foods change in texture when heated, such as turning dough into bread.  Math and Motor skills are enhanced by allowing children to measure ingredients, prepare vegetables by washing, cutting and mixing ingredients. Teachers can also provide a variety of activities during art and dramatic play as well.

These nutritional suggestions are just a few of the many crucial guidelines to your child’s development. If parents and teachers all work together, children can learn what it means to eat healthy and grow strong. The only way children will learn is if we teach them through repetition at school as well as home. We should all do our part.

“Effective early learning programs are essential to prepare our children for success in school and beyond,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “A dedicated early learning office will institutionalize, elevate and coordinate federal support for high-quality early learning, while enhancing support for state efforts to build high-performing early education systems.”

The proposal names Senior Advisor for Early Learning Jacqueline Jones as head of the new office, which will operate within the Department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). The announcement was made public today during Jones’s remarks to early learning educators and advocates nationwide at the National Association for the Education of Young Children annual conference, held this year in Orlando, Fla.

“Establishing an early learning office reinforces this administration’s unwavering effort and determination to address the essential needs of our youngest learners,” said Jones.

As the Department’s leading official on early learning, Jones oversees the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge, a competitive grant program jointly administered by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. Launched last May, the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge encourages States to create comprehensive plans to build coordinated statewide systems that will improve early learning and development programs so more children, especially those with high needs, will enter kindergarten ready to succeed. On October 20, the Department announced that 35 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico submitted applications to the program. Winners will be named in December.

In addition to the Challenge, the Department administers several programs that provide support for early learning including Title I, IDEA, and recently established programs such as Promise Neighborhoods and the Investing in Innovation fund. As proposed, the Office of Early Learning will operate as a central resource to ensure that support for high-quality early learning and development programs is coordinated within the Department and across federal agencies, in addition to managing outreach to the early learning community.

Further details on staffing and office operations will be available in the coming months.