Florida Head Start Association Policy Alert

HB 47  Specific Medical Diagnoses in Child Protective Investigations

Clarifies how DCF and Child Protection Teams consider specific preexisting medical diagnoses that may mimic signs of abuse; allows a brief delay in forwarding allegations to law enforcement while medical conditions are evaluated; requires notification to parents of their duty to report diagnoses and mandates consultation with qualified medical professionals.

★ FAMILY & CHILD SAFETY —Strengthen staff awareness of medical conditions that can resemble abuse indicators. Reinforce communication protocols with families during investigations. Update collaboration pathways with pediatric specialists and CPTs. Ensure staff understand new timelines and documentation expectations.

SB 590 Mandatory Reporting Statute of Limitations

For violations of s. 39.201 F.S. (mandatory reporting of child abuse/neglect), the statute of limitations does not begin to run until a law enforcement or government agency (outside the institution where the violation occurs) becomes aware of the offense. Applies to offenses not already barred as of July 1, 2026.

★ COMPLIANCE & RISK — Head Start staff are mandatory reporters under s. 39.201 F.S. Reinforce mandatory reporting training immediately. Document all reports thoroughly. Ensure no unreported incidents remain unaddressed — past failures to report are now subject to extended prosecution timelines.

SB 428 Drowning Prevention

Expands the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program eligibility from children age 4 and under to children ages 1–7; requires the Department of Health to develop drowning prevention educational materials distributed at hospitals, birth centers, and by childbirth educators as part of postpartum care.

★ FAMILY SERVICES — Enroll eligible families (children ages 1–7, income up to 200% FPL) in the expanded Swimming Lesson Voucher Program. Incorporate DOH drowning prevention materials into family education and home visiting. Partner with local pediatric providers distributing materials.

CS/CS/HB 277 Domestic Violence Protections

Strengthens domestic and dating violence protections; increases relocation assistance for victims from $1,500 to $2,500 per claim (lifetime max from $3,000 to $5,000); creates electronic monitoring pilot programs in Pinellas County and the 6th Judicial Circuit; adds threat to kill/injure family pets as a factor in injunction decisions; requires lethality assessments with mandatory law enforcement follow-up.

★ FAMILY SERVICES & SAFETY — Update family safety resource packets with increased relocation assistance amounts. Train Family Advocates on lethality assessment protocols and enhanced victim referral pathways. Coordinate with domestic violence shelters and legal aid on expanded injunction protections for families served.

HB 561 Educator Preparation & Certification

Allows educator preparation institutes (EPIs) to enroll participants and begin coursework while obtaining eligibility status; requires DOE to issue temporary certificates to educators with expired professional certificates who meet basic eligibility requirements; allows reinstatement without retaking subject area exams; reinstates all prior subject area coverages and endorsements upon reinstatement.

★ STAFFING PIPELINE — Leverage streamlined certification pathways to recruit educators with lapsed credentials back to the classroom. Partner with local EPIs to enroll staff in preparation programs while they work. Explore reinstatement opportunities for former Head Start teachers with expired certifications.

SB 182 – School Teacher Training & Mentoring: Establishes mentoring program for struggling/new teachers in D/F schools with stipends up to $3,000 — explore partnerships with K-12 schools serving shared families.

HB 851 – Autism Professional Learning: Requires annual autism-specific professional development for school instructional staff — align Head Start staff ASD training with district PD calendars for collaborative opportunities.

HB 753 – School Counselors Certification: Simplifies school counselor certification requirements — may expand counselor pipeline available for family support service referrals.

HB 355 – Pediatric Emergency Care: Requires hospital EDs to designate pediatric care coordinators and establish minimum pediatric standards — update emergency protocols and referral contacts for families.

HB 797 — Nonprofit Corporations: Comprehensive update to Florida’s Nonprofit Corporation Act (Chapter 617). Modernizes governance standards, director/officer duties, membership rules, meeting procedures, filings, mergers/conversions, and liability protections. Head Start Impact: Review bylaws, board policies, meeting procedures, conflict‑of‑interest standards, and corporate records practices. Strengthen board orientation materials.

Action Item Checklist – July 2026

☐ Review family safety protocols and staff training related to medical conditions that may mimic abuse; update guidance for supporting families during child protective investigations  (HB 47)

☐ Conduct mandatory reporting refresher training for all staff (SB 590)

☐ Enroll eligible families in expanded Swim Voucher Program (SB 428)

☐ Update family safety resource guides with new DV assistance amounts (HB 277)

☐ Connect with local EPIs re: credential reinstatement opportunities (HB 561)

☐ Update data privacy protocols for DV/dating violence victims (SB 296/298)

☐ Review bylaws, board policies, and meeting procedures for compliance with revised Florida Nonprofit Corporation Act (HB 797)