Child Care and Early Learning Providers

Added definition of 'preschool' as any child care facility licensed under s. 402.305 for purposes of special assessment exemptions.

Established new minimum training requirements including a 40-clock-hour introductory course covering health, safety, nutrition, child development, and specialized topics like autism and shaken baby syndrome.

Created a 45-day provisional-hire status for child care personnel when background screening cannot be completed within 3 business days.

Introduced a three-class violation system for licensing violations directly related to child health and safety.

Expanded abbreviated inspection eligibility to include family day care homes and large family child care homes meeting specific compliance criteria.

Added requirement for child care operators to complete training on serving children with disabilities within 5 years of employment.

Updated exemptions for religious institutions and certain housing facilities from special assessments to clarify preschool definition.

Added provision allowing after-school programs to provide meals through federal Afterschool Meal Program if they meet specific criteria.

Revised training requirements to exempt personnel with certain college degrees or credentials from specific training components.

Added requirement for child care personnel to complete 5 clock hours of early literacy training one time.