This past February, State Representative Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach) sponsored what could be the most important early learning policy bill since the School Readiness program began nearly two decades ago. For the first time, early learning programs in Florida will be required to meet quality standards in order to receive state funding.
House Bill 1091 establishes a minimum quality threshold for School Readiness providers, and also directs the Office of Early Learning to consider child outcomes via age-appropriate, observation-based assessments across the key domains of language and executive functioning. The landmark bill recognizes that high quality early learning programs help at-risk children to catch up to their peers, and that Florida has a responsibility to hold state-funded providers and programs accountable for delivering the quality needed to achieve those child outcomes.
“Little did I know when I began my work in early childhood education began over a decade ago that I would have the opportunity to champion transformational policy during my first term as a legislator,” said Representative Erin Grall. “Working on HB 1091 was a labor of love, as early childhood education is truly an investment in our future. The importance of measurable quality in the early education space is magnified each year as we see an increasing need for a skilled workforce. Research has documented that before there is an achievement gap, there is a readiness gap identifiable as early as 18 months for children from low-income families. HB 1091 addresses the fact that the State of Florida lacked a consistent mechanism to hold providers accountable. Increased accountability will best serve children who are at the greatest risk of failure in school. Further, child assessment in the domains of executive functioning and literacy will allow educators to respond to the individual needs of children with a holistic approach giving children the greatest opportunity for success. It was an exceptional year for early childhood education and the willingness of so many people to work together on this policy speaks volumes to its importance.”
Representative Grall was commended for her leadership and passion for early learning, and for bringing the bill forward over the past two legislative sessions. Committee member and Education Appropriations Chair Manny Diaz (R-Miami) called Rep. Grall a champion for taking on the difficult issue of assessing young children, and for finding consensus among the various stakeholders. The bill is supported by a broad coalition of early learning advocates including the Florida Children’s Council, Association of Early Learning Coalitions, Florida Association of Child Care Managers, Children’s Movement of Florida and the United Ways of Florida, among many others.