Dear Early Care and Education Partners:
Pursuant to s. 39.604, Florida Statutes, a child from birth to the age of school entry, who is under court-ordered protective supervision or in out-of-home care and is enrolled in an early education or child care program must attend the program 5 days a week unless the court grants an exemption. A child enrolled in an early education or child care program who meets the requirements of this act may not be withdrawn from the program without prior written approval of the Department or community-based care lead agency. If a child covered by this act is absent, the program shall report any unexcused absence or seven excused absences to the Department or the community-based care lead agency by the end of the business day following the unexcused absence or seventh consecutive excused absence.
The Rilya Wilson Act provides priority for child care services for specified children who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. These children are receiving protective services and are identified on the Child Care Certificate as Funding BG1.
What do I do when an at-risk child is absent?
When an at-risk (BG1) child has an unexcused absence or seven consecutive days of excused absences, the school readiness provider must notify the Family Safety Program Office of the Department of Children and Family Services or its designee (Citrus Family Care Network).
