In response to our 2006 report, the Department of Health has implemented a new provider rate structure for the Early Steps Program. The department also plans to implement a family cost-sharing system as part of a project to use a third-party administrator for billing. The department has modified its area office contracts to include data timeliness and provider monitoring standards. However, the department has not yet implemented sanctions for noncompliance with data entry timeframes and the monitoring requirements are not sufficient to ensure that providers are adequately monitored.
Despite efforts to better maximize federal funding, the program continues to accrue unspent federal funds due to differences between budget authority and federal grant amounts and a decline in child participation. The department has attempted to increase participation through revised provider rates and increased public outreach, and needs to assess the outcomes of its outreach efforts.

The Governance Structure of Florida's Early Education Programs Presents Some Administrative Challenges
Report 08-35 June 2008
Steps Taken to Implement the Exceptional Student Education Funding Matrix, But More Monitoring Needed
Report 08-24 April 2008
Early Steps Faces Service Challenges; Has Not Used All Available Federal Funds
Report 06-14 February 2006

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.