6M-8.400. VPK Class Sizes; Blended Classes; Multi-Class Groups

(1) Blended classes. (a) A private provider or public school may organize a VPK class as a blended class, instructing children enrolled in the VPK program together with children not enrolled in the program. (b) A blended class may include children of any age. A private provider or public school, however, may not organize a blended class in a multi-age arrangement that prevents the provider or school from implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum in accordance with Section 1002.67(2)(b), F.S. (2) Minimum class size. A VPK class must be composed of at least four children enrolled in the VPK program. (a) An early learning coalition may not issue the initial advance payment for a VPK class unless at least four children in the class are enrolled in the VPK program. (b) A private provider or public school does not violate the minimum class size, if: 1. Fewer than four children enrolled in the VPK program attend a VPK class on a particular day; or 2. After the advance payment is issued, fewer than four children in a VPK class remain enrolled in the VPK program (e.g., withdrawals). (3) Maximum class size. A VPK class may not exceed 20 children for a school-year program or 12 children for a summer program. Children enrolled in the VPK program, and children not enrolled in the program, are both counted toward the 20-child or 12-child maximum class size. A VPK class may not exceed the maximum class size in enrollment or attendance on a particular day. (4) Multi-class group. A private provider or public school may instruct two or more VPK classes as one. A VPK class within a multi-class group may not exceed the maximum class size described in subsection (3). (5) Compliance with other requirements. This rule does not allow a private provider or public school to exceed a staff-to-children ratio, square footage per child, licensing requirements under Sections 402.301-.319, F.S., or other state or local requirement.