Be a Voice for Early Learners
Advocacy for Early Learning
Advocacy ensures every child in Hillsborough County has access to affordable, high-quality early learning and experiences. Whether you’re a parent, provider, or policymaker – your voice fuels meaningful change.
2025 Bills We're Watching
Each year, the Florida Legislature proposes and reviews bills that can impact early learning, child care access, funding, and provider support. The ELCHC monitors key legislation to stay informed and to help families, educators, and community partners understand how proposed changes may affect them.
Explore the Glossary of Legislative Terms to better understand the language used in these bills and summaries.
This bill proposes updates to Florida’s School Readiness Program, which helps families access early education and child care. It modifies eligibility guidelines, prioritization criteria, and provider requirements to streamline services and expand access for working families.
Click here to read SB 1102
Current Status: Approved by Governor
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Similar Bill: HB 0877 – School Readiness Program
This bill proposes updates to child care and early learning program regulations in Florida. It revises licensing standards, modifies training and credentialing requirements for child care personnel, and streamlines inspection procedures. Additionally, the bill allows qualifying providers to be exempt from certain local assessments and reallocates oversight responsibilities to county commissions.
Click here to read SB 738
Current Status: Order Enrolled (The bill has passed both chambers and is being prepared for delivery to the Governor.)
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Similar Bill: HB 0047 – Child Care and Early Learning Providers
This bill updates Florida’s School Readiness Program, which helps working families afford child care. It changes who can qualify, how providers are rated, and how funding is prioritized. The goal is to make the program more transparent and ensure children are ready for school.
Click here to read HB 1255
Current Status: Approved by Governor
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Similar Bill: SB 1382 – Access to School Readiness Programs for Economically Disadvantaged Households
Find Your Local Officials
Resources
Florida House Bill Tracker
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Florida Senate Bill Tracker
The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County engages in advocacy in alignment with the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning and Florida Statute. While ELCHC educates and informs the community about early learning policy, it does not engage in direct lobbying efforts.
