The Gold Seal Quality Care (Gold Seal) program, established in Florida in 1996, represents a commitment to exceptional child care. This voluntary program recognizes child care facilities and family day care homes that demonstrate a dedication to quality exceeding basic licensing requirements. By achieving accreditation from recognized agencies, these providers showcase their elevated standards in care and supervision. Since July 1, 2021, the Gold Seal program has been administered by the Department of Education, transitioning from the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Participation in the Gold Seal program is open to various child care provider types, excluding specific license-exempt school-age programs as outlined in Chapter 65C-22.008(3), F.A.C. It’s important to note that Gold Seal is a designation, not an accreditation itself. However, it offers significant advantages to participating child care providers, enhancing their operations and appeal.
Benefits of Achieving Gold Seal Quality Care Designation
The Gold Seal Quality Care designation provides tangible benefits for child care providers in Florida, making it a valuable pursuit for those committed to excellence. These advantages include:
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Enhanced Marketing and Parent Appeal: Gold Seal status serves as a powerful marketing tool, signaling to prospective parents a commitment to high-quality care and education. This distinction can significantly attract families seeking the best possible environment for their children.
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Sales and Property Tax Exemptions: Gold Seal providers in Florida are eligible for certain tax exemptions. The Florida Department of Revenue provides sales tax exemption certificates for qualifying educational materials. Providers can request an application via email for sales tax exemptions. For property tax exemptions, facilities should contact their local property appraiser’s office to initiate the application process.
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Increased School Readiness Program Reimbursement: Providers with Gold Seal designation may qualify for higher reimbursement rates within the School Readiness Program. This financial benefit acknowledges and supports the higher standards maintained by Gold Seal facilities. Further details about the School Readiness Program are available on the School Readiness Program page.
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Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program Eligibility: Gold Seal accreditation can be a pathway to participate in Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. While proof of Gold Seal Quality Care Accreditation may be required, it opens doors to offering this crucial early learning opportunity. More information on the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program can be found on the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program page.
Understanding Accreditation for Gold Seal Designation
To achieve Gold Seal recognition, child care providers must undergo accreditation by an approved accrediting association. These associations are recognized by the Division of Early Learning and uphold standards that reflect quality in early childhood education.
Licensing and Accreditation Requirements
While the Division of Early Learning doesn’t mandate licensure for Gold Seal participation, many accrediting associations do. For instance, the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), a prominent accrediting body, requires family child care homes to be licensed to become accredited by them. This highlights the importance of understanding the specific requirements of your chosen accrediting association. For providers who are exempt from licensing, they must agree to periodic inspections by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the local licensing authority as part of the Gold Seal Provider application.
Cost and Process of Accreditation
The Gold Seal Quality Care Program itself does not impose an application fee. However, accrediting associations typically charge application and validation fees as part of their accreditation process. It’s essential for providers to directly contact accrediting associations to understand their fee structures and specific accreditation procedures.
To begin the accreditation journey for Gold Seal, providers should research and select an accrediting association from the list of approved organizations. This list is accessible at Gold Seal accrediting associations (PDF). Choosing the right accrediting association is a crucial step, and providers are encouraged to carefully consider which association best aligns with their program’s philosophy and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gold Seal Quality Care Program
Do I need to be licensed to qualify for the Gold Seal Quality Care Program?
To be eligible for the Gold Seal Quality Care Program, any legally operating child care facility, family day care home, or large family child care home must be accredited by a Division of Early Learning-approved accrediting association and meet all other program requirements. While the Division doesn’t require licensure, some accrediting bodies, such as the National Association for Family Child Care, may require it for their accreditation. Non-licensed providers must consent to inspections by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or local licensing authorities by submitting the Gold Seal Provider application.
What expenses are involved in becoming a Gold Seal Quality Care Program provider?
The Division of Early Learning does not charge any fees for the Gold Seal Quality Care Program designation. However, accrediting associations have their own fee structures, including application and validation fees. Contact the accrediting association you are interested in directly for detailed information on their costs.
What are the steps to become accredited for the Gold Seal program?
To pursue Gold Seal designation, you must first select an accrediting association recognized by the program. A list of these approved associations is available at Gold Seal accrediting associations (PDF). It’s recommended to research each association to determine the best fit for your child care program.
Can my child care facility be accredited by multiple Gold Seal Quality Care Program-approved associations?
Yes, providers can be accredited by more than one approved association. However, the Department of Children and Families’ Provider Search webpage will only display one accreditation per provider. Multiple accreditations do not impact the Gold Seal Quality Care Program reimbursement rate or tax benefits.
How long will it take to receive my Gold Seal Quality Care certificate after submitting the application?
Typically, it takes around three weeks to process a Gold Seal Quality Care Program application. However, for license-exempt providers without an inspection record in the past two years, an inspection is required before application approval, which may extend the processing time. Once approved, the Children’s Forum will issue an electronic certificate.
Who handles tax exemptions for Gold Seal providers?
The Florida Department of Revenue is responsible for issuing sales tax exemption certificates. This exemption applies to specific educational materials like books, crayons, educational toys, and art supplies. The application for sales tax exemption can be found on the Gold Seal Quality Care Program page of the Children’s Forum website. For property tax exemptions, please contact your local property appraiser’s office or visit: http://floridarevenue.com/Pages/forms_index.aspx#adval.
Elevating Child Care Through Gold Seal Quality Care
The Gold Seal Quality Care program stands as a testament to Florida’s commitment to high-quality early childhood education. By encouraging providers to pursue accreditation and recognizing their achievements, the program not only benefits child care facilities but also enhances the overall quality of care for Florida’s youngest learners. For additional inquiries regarding the Gold Seal Quality Care Program, please contact:
Telephone: 1-888-352-4453
Email: [email protected]
