Rilya Wilson Act Requirements

This law requires coordination by the staff of various departments and the Community-Based Care Provider staff with local education or child care providers.  This activity is required by law and is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of specified children who are receiving funds for child care services.  The School Readiness Provider MUST abide by provisions in the Rilya Wilson Act (FL Statutes, 39.604) and School Readiness OEL Rule

This law provides priority for child care services for specified children who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.  Children Identified enrolled under protective services are identified on the Child Care Certificate as Funding BG1.

Rilya Wilson Act Requirements

• Protective services children MUST be enrolled to participate 5 days per week.
• Protective services children MAY NOT be withdrawn without prior written approval from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Partnership for Strong Families (PSF).

Who do I call 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 Department of Children and Families or the Community Care-Based Provider, Partnership for Strong Families. The Rilya Wilson Act establishes these reporting requirements for children birth to school entry. This rule shall apply to all  at-risk(BG1) children of any age in a school readiness program (6M-4.500, F.A.C).

Department of Children and Families

Main Number  –  386-243-6067  

Toll Free – 866-762-2237

Partnership for Strong Families

Main Number – 386-243-8800

Toll Free – 866-832-5562

If the child care provider does not fulfill this responsibility to make contact with DCF Protective Services, or the Partnership for Strong Families, the provider will not be eligible for placement of additional Protective Services children.

Florida Statutes Rilya Wilson Act http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0039/Sections/0039.604.html