HB 741

1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to prekindergarten education; amending s.
3	1002.65, F.S.; making mandatory requirements for increased
4	levels of education for prekindergarten instructors in
5	future years; providing an effective date.
6
7	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
8
9	Section 1.  Section 1002.65, Florida Statutes, is amended
10	to read:
11	1002.65  Professional credentials of prekindergarten
12	instructors; aspirational goals; legislative intent.--
13	(1)  The Legislature recognizes that there is a strong
14	relationship between the skills and preparation of
15	prekindergarten instructors and the educational outcomes of
16	students in the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program.
17	(2)  To improve these educational outcomes, the Legislature
18	intends that all prekindergarten instructors shall will continue
19	to improve their skills and preparation through education and
20	training, so that the following aspirational goals are will be
21	achieved:
22	(a)  By the 2010-2011 school year:
23	1.  Each prekindergarten class shall will have at least one
24	prekindergarten instructor who holds an associate's or higher
25	degree in the field of early childhood education or child
26	development; and
27	2.  For each prekindergarten class composed of 11 or more
28	students, in addition to a prekindergarten instructor who meets
29	the requirements of subparagraph 1., the class shall will have
30	at least one prekindergarten instructor who meets the
31	requirements of s. 1002.55(3)(c).
32	(b)  By the 2013-2014 school year, each prekindergarten
33	class shall will have at least one prekindergarten instructor
34	who holds a bachelor's or higher degree in the field of early
35	childhood education or child development.
36	Section 2.  This act shall take effect July 1, 2008.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.