Rick Scott Talks Early Learning Funding in Jacksonville

Gov. Rick Scott was in Jacksonville Friday to highlight increased funding for early childhood education in Florida.

As part of the governor's Its Your Money Tax Cut Budget is a proposal of $1.1 billion in state funding for early childhood education and care.

"Investing in early learning is an investment in the future of our children, our families and our state," said Scott. "Florida is a leader in early learning, and is ranked first in the nation with regard to prekindergarten access.

The additional $59 million proposed for early learning in the governors budget includes a $100 per child increase in the base student allocation for VPK (voluntary prekindergarten), a one-time $30 million increase in funding for the School Readiness Program, and money for teacher scholarships and training.More than 174,000 children were enrolled in VPK in 2012-13. The program is free for children who are Florida residents and will be 4 years old by Sept. 1 of the year they would enroll in the program.

"We applaud Gov. Scott for his support of the VPK program," said Early Learning Coalition of Duval Board Chair Jennifer Chapman."As the leader of our great state, it is important that he has acknowledged the public-private partnerships in early learning that help ensure our children enter school ready to succeed."