Downloads
CS/HB 153 — Literacy Jump Start Pilot Project
by the Choice and Innovation Subcommittee; Rep. Lee and others (CS/SB 1116 by the Appropriations Committee and Senator Abruzzo)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K - 12 Committee (ED)
The bill requires the Office of Early Learning (OEL) to establish a 5-year Literacy Jump Start Pilot Project in St. Lucie County to provide emergent literacy instruction to low-income, at-risk children.
Specifically, the bill:
- Directs OEL to allocate funds for the implementation of the pilot project;
- Requires OEL to select a local organization to implement the pilot project;
- Requires OEL to select one or more municipalities within St. Lucie County to participate in the pilot project;
- Requires the instruction to be provided in a subsidized housing unit located within the selected municipality;
- Establishes eligibility criteria for participation in the pilot project;
- Encourages the collaboration of the St. Lucie County Health Department and the organization to provide basic health screening and immunization in conjunction with emergent literacy instruction;
- Requires child care personnel to undergo level 2 background screening;
- Limits the use of funds for specific purposes and requires funds to be verified by affidavit;
- Requires instructors to complete an OEL-approved emergent literacy training course; and
- Requires organization to submit an annual accountability report to the OEL, the St. Lucie County Early Learning Coalition, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2015.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 116-0