Bill > H7069

This bill makes several changes to the regulation of early learning and child care in Florida, primarily by updating terminology and revising requirements for child care facilities and programs. Key provisions include changing terms like "school readiness program" to "child care and development program" and "family day care home" to "family child care home" throughout state statutes to reflect a broader scope of services. It also revises certain standards and requirements for child care facilities, the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK), and the school readiness program, which is now referred to as the child care and development program. The bill clarifies provisions related to exemptions from licensing standards, particularly for nonpublic schools and child care facilities participating in state-funded programs like VPK and the child care and development program, ensuring they meet "substantial compliance" with health and safety standards without overly burdensome regulation. Additionally, it revises the duties of the Office of Early Learning and early learning coalitions, including their roles in oversight, data collection, and provider contracts, and introduces new requirements for background screening and training for child care personnel. The bill also addresses insurance coverage for family and large family child care homes, clarifying that residential property insurance policies generally exclude liability for child care operations unless specifically covered by a rider or endorsement.