Person A is 16 years
old and has been
level 2 background
screened
Person B has completed
120 hours of training,
is of good moral
character and has been
background screened.
Person C is 16 years
old and has received a high
school diploma and has
completed 1200 hours
of training.
Person D has at least
1-year experience,
has been background
screened and has
submitted moral
character affidavits.
Answer: Child
Care Instructor
Section 402.305,
Florida Statutes
Answer: Home
Inspector
Section 468.8313,
Florida Statutes
Answer:
Cosmetician
Section 447.019,
Florida Statutes
Answer:
Talent Agent
Section 468.403,
Florida Statutes
New research by Stanford University found that by 18 months of age toddlers from low-income families are already several months behind children of more affluent families in language proficiency; these delays are often compounded to the point that children can be dramatically behind in reading skills by third grade, which is the strongest predictor of high school graduation. Quality early learning programs improve language skills and help reduce the achievement gap to increase kindergarten readiness and early grade success.
Increase investments in Florida’s School Readiness early learning program. To improve and sustain the quality of School Readiness early learning programs a significant investment is needed. Implementation of a revised payment structure aligned to performance funding, would allow the state to prepare children for success, enhance the private business model of early learning, and ensure the accountability of public funds.
- Florida has the 6th lowest base payment rates in the nation for infants and toddlers and 7th lowest for preschoolers.
- Florida payment rates average $5,000 while private rates are close to $10,000.
- The average program breaks even when meeting minimum standards for licensed care, which creates disincentives for programs to improve quality.
- Cost modelling completed by national early care finance experts confirmed that it is difficult for child care businesses in Florida to provide quality early learning programs and remain solvent due to Florida’s depressed child care market.
Increase School Readiness Reimbursement Rates Through Performance funding: Revising the School Readiness payment rate structure to account for payments tied to performance will allow providers to make strategic investments. School Readiness performance payments should be based on recognized industry standards and performance on key benchmarks:
- High quality teacher-child interactions that support literacy development and acquisition of executive functioning
- Curriculum-based assessment
- Professional development
- Accreditation
Develop a Highly Trained Workforce: Child care businesses pay higher wages when their reimbursement rates are more in line with market rates. Additionally, increasing the skills of current workers through professional development demands a higher wage.
- Help teachers access rigorous, specialized training
- Provide access to targeted training
- Provide consistent scholarship opportunities to support an increase in teacher Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials
- Support Professional Development Systems
