VPK programs receive a monthly payment from their local coalition and/or their contracted service provider. The payment may include a prepayment amount based on a snapshot of the total enrollment and, once the program is under way, includes the reconciled payment based on actual attendance submitted for the prior billing period. Thus, tracking and reporting attendance is extremely important to ensure correct payments. Check with your local coalition for the correct reporting procedure for your area. Payments will be provided for "instructional hours" only. These include center and group times, outdoor activities, and mealtimes. You will not receive payment for nap/rest time.

Next, let's discuss policies related to payment for child absences. VPK programs receive monthly payments for the children who attend the program. The 2006-07 uniform attendance policy in Rule 60BB-8.204 FAC, allows three unexcused absences and seven excused absences (with documentation by the parent) per child per calendar month. This documentation must refer to one of the ten reasons for unexcused absences listed in the rule. One of the reasons is family vacation and these days would be counted as part of the seven excused absences per month. Please note that a parent can claim only a total of five family vacation days over the entire course of the VPK program. "Unlimited absences" are not allowed.

Any absences beyond the seven excused and three unexcused per month must be documented by a third party (e.g., physician, religious leader, military superior, etc.) in order to receive payment. If documentation is not received the absence is not excused and the provider should not receive payment.

The legislation offers a free VPK program to all children who are eligible. Remember, that means they are age four on or before September first and reside in the state of Florida. The law clearly specifies that parents cannot be required to pay fees related to the VPK program. AWI has established a policy regarding fee payment requirements and the collection of fees within a VPK program. As a provider a of VPK program, you may not require a registration fee. Other fees, such as the cost for field trips or personal items, may be paid for voluntarily by parents if they are informed in writing; however, such payment is not a requirement of the VPK program. For the detailed policy regarding collection of fees for a VPK program, follow the link to
http://www.floridajobs.org/earlylearning/
documents/OELPI002705.pdf.