1002.65  Professional credentials of prekindergarten instructors; aspirational goals; legislative intent.--

(1)  The Legislature recognizes that there is a strong relationship between the skills and preparation of prekindergarten instructors and the educational outcomes of students in the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program.

(2)  To improve these educational outcomes, the Legislature intends that all prekindergarten instructors will continue to improve their skills and preparation through education and training, so that the following aspirational goals will be achieved:

(a)  By the 2010-2011 school year:

1.  Each prekindergarten class will have at least one prekindergarten instructor who holds an associate's or higher degree in the field of early childhood education or child development; and

2.  For each prekindergarten class composed of 11 or more students, in addition to a prekindergarten instructor who meets the requirements of subparagraph 1., the class will have at least one prekindergarten instructor who meets the requirements of s. 1002.55(3)(c).

(b)  By the 2013-2014 school year, each prekindergarten class will have at least one prekindergarten instructor who holds a bachelor's or higher degree in the field of early childhood education or child development.