oel accepts coalition petitions to benefit families...
by David Jacobsen, Contributing Editor, Program
The Agency is working with coalitions who are requesting variances from rules for serving Florida's families in the current economic climate. These rules govern eligibility when a working family has a break in employment or a reduction in working hours. Many coalitions across the state are taking advantage of these special circumstances to tailor their services to meet the needs of the families they serve.
The variance process typically averages 30–60 days for a decision. Coalitions may petition for the following:
- A variance from Rule 60BB-4.210(1), F.A.C., allowing working families who have a break in employment to remain eligible for school readiness services, provided employment is re-established within the period of time requested by the coalition. Coalitions have petitioned for a 60- or 90-day employment break time frame as compared with the rule’s 30-day time frame
- A variance from Rule 60BB-4.100(22), F.A.C., allowing a working family, experiencing a reduction in employment hours due to circumstances beyond the family’s control, to continue to receive school readiness services as long as the average hours worked per week do not drop below 15.
