Florida Administrative Code › 6 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION › 6M - Division of Early Learning › Chapter 6M-4 - DIVISION OF EARLY LEARNING - SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM › Section 6M-4.208 - Documenting Eligibility for the School Readiness Program

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Each early learning coalition or
				designated contractor must determine eligibility for each applicant applying
				for the School Readiness Program in accordance with Section
				1002.87(1),
				F.S. and Rule 6M-4.200, F.A.C. All child
				eligibility documentation shall be maintained by the coalition, as applicable.
				Each coalition is responsible for implementing a records retention policy
				ensuring that all documentation is maintained in accordance with law. The
				coalition or the designated contractor, where applicable, must conduct annual
				internal file monitoring activities to ensure the accuracy of eligibility
				determinations.
(2) Notwithstanding
				their inability to provide full documentation at the initial eligibility
				determination, a coalition shall permit enrollment after initial eligibility
				determination to children experiencing homelessness as verified by a Department
				of Children and Families (DCF) certified homeless shelter.
(3) Each applicant must have a completed,
				signed and dated Form OEL-SR 01, School Readiness Application for each initial
				eligibility determination in the statewide information system. Form OEL-SR 01,
				is adopted in and incorporated by reference in Rule
				6M-4.300, F.A.C.
(4) Documentation required for school
				readiness services eligibility. During the initial determination and
				redetermination an applicant must submit documentation, as applicable, to
				verify compliance with eligibility requirements. An office visit shall not be
				required for the submission of eligibility documentation or establishment of
				eligibility. Prior to the eligibility determination and enrollment, new
				applicants shall submit required documentation within 30 calendar days from the
				date on the funding notification. Redetermining applicants shall submit
				required documentation through the statewide information system prior to the
				redetermination date. The coalition shall determine eligibility within ten (10)
				calendar days of receipt of completed documentation.
(a) Age. Verification of age must be
				established for each child eligible for the school readiness program in
				accordance with Section
				1002.87(1),
				F.S. The coalition shall keep a record of at least one of the following
				supporting documents that shows the child's name and date of birth:
1. Child's birth record.
2. Child's certificate of baptism or other
				religious record of the child's birth, accompanied by an affidavit stating that
				the certificate is true and correct, sworn to or affirmed by the child's
				parent.
3. An insurance policy on
				the child's life which has been in force for at least 2 years.
4. A passport or certificate of the child's
				arrival in the United States.
5. An
				immunization record signed by a public health officer or licensed practicing
				physician, or
6. A valid military
				dependent identification card.
7.
				For Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) families identified in
				Section 1002.87(1),
				F.S., the child's age, as indicated on a child care authorization submitted by
				the referring agency, is sufficient to establish the child's age as verified by
				the parent.
8. For children
				identified in Sections
				1002.81(a)-(d),
				F.S., the child's age, as indicated on a child care authorization submitted by
				the referring agency, is sufficient to establish age as verified by the
				parent.
9. If no supporting
				documents listed in subparagraphs (a) 1.-8. above are available, a parent's
				notarized statement of the child's age accompanied by a certificate of age
				signed by a public health officer or licensed physician stating that the
				child's age shown in the affidavit is true and correct may be
				accepted.