Topic: Voluntary Pre-K

A subcommittee of the Early Learning Advisory Council discussed recommending that lawmakers standardize licensing, staff training, credentials and discipline rules for voluntary pre-K and school readiness programs, including those run by religious organizations.

More than 400,000 Florida children are in various early learning programs funded by the state. The chair of the House Education Committee advised lawmakers to visit the different programs offered in their district. Rep. Marlene O'Toole is calling for systematic changes in programs designed to prepare children for kindergarten. ... Related Research: Oct. 10, 2013 House Education Committee meeting materials, and video of meeting.

The Maitland representative said she thinks most Floridians are not aware of a predicted state budget surplus next year. She's calling on people to reject Gov. Rick Scott's proposed half billion tax cut and instead restore the budget for schools to pre-recession levels. ... Related Research: Sept. 26, 2013 Tweet from Rep. Karen Castor Dentel, and Sept. 26, 2013 Response from the Republican Party of Florida.

House members voted to phase in a cap on administrative spending and to place the Office of Early Learning in the Department of Education. A 2012 state audit of the program found questionable accounting procedures in the program designed to prepare children for school.

The House Education Committee bill imposes a spending cap on administrative costs, places the Office of Early Learning within the Department of Education and directs it to standardize contracts.

Florida primary date panel holds first meeting, state second in nation for August mass layoffs, Florida GOP to choose new chair, Sen. Flores files first abortion bill of session, Workforce Central Florida board members resign, Speaker Cannon skeptical about gambling expansion, big banks profited from $30B pension fund hit.

Audrey Gibson wins primary in Senate District 1, Governor and GOP push to take courts out of foreclosure process, Federal budget cuts could hurt Florida economy, Florida pension plan drops $12B, Scott's poll numbers showing slight improvement.

Gov. Charlie Crist and former Gov. Jeb Bush stood side by side on Thursday to back education reforms recommended by the Florida Council of 100 and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.