FloridaSB 11022025SenateWALLET

School Readiness Program

Sponsored By: Alexis Calatayud (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationEducation Pre-K - 12Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 EducationFiscal PolicyHouse Calendar

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Child care priority for special-needs children

Beginning July 1, 2025, Florida’s School Readiness Program gives priority access to qualifying children with special needs. The child must need accommodations beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. A licensed health care professional, licensed mental health professional, or educational psychologist must confirm the needs and accommodations. That person cannot be the child’s parent or relative, or work for a child care provider. Proof may include a current Florida school district individual education plan, a current individualized family support plan, a diagnosed special need, or a professional’s written determination of needed accommodations.

Child care funding requires special-needs training

Beginning July 1, 2027, Florida School Readiness providers must meet assessment and training rules to qualify for extra special-needs funding. Providers must meet the state education department’s minimum program assessment score for contracting, where applicable. Instructional staff must complete department-required training on spotting social and communication delays early. An instructor assigned to a child needing extra accommodations must complete 10 hours of inclusive early childhood or school-age education training. The deadline is 90 days after the child enrolls, or 90 days after a new instructor is hired and assigned to that child. After the first funding eligibility decision, providers must maintain the required score, and assigned instructors need at least 2 training hours each following year. Funding depends on money appropriated by the Legislature; the law sets no allocation amount.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Alexis Calatayud
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Fiscal Policy
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 186 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2025

House Floor Vote

Yes: 116 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/24/2025

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Fiscal Policy Vote

Yes: 17 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Vote

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/17/2025

Education Pre-K - 12 Vote