Parent Resource Hub
Curated links to official Florida and federal resources for home education, scholarships, developmental milestones, and more. We keep this page updated so you don't have to dig.
All links go to the official source. Rules and URLs change — always verify current information at the source site.
Florida Home Education
Florida's home education statute (s. 1002.41) governs notice of intent, portfolio requirements, and annual educational evaluations. These resources are the primary sources families should consult.
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Florida Statute s. 1002.41 — Home Education Programs
The full text of the Florida law governing home education programs, including portfolio and annual evaluation requirements.
Florida Legislature -
Florida DOE — Home Education Overview
Florida Department of Education's summary of home education rules, resources, and parent responsibilities.
Florida Department of Education -
Miami-Dade County Public Schools — Home Education Office
Local office where Miami-Dade families submit notice of intent and annual evaluations. Includes contact information and current forms.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Scholarships & Step Up
Step Up For Students is the primary scholarship administrator in Florida. Their handbooks are updated regularly — always check the current year.
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Step Up For Students — Homepage
Main Step Up portal for scholarship applications, family accounts, and provider directory.
Step Up For Students -
Step Up — Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-UA)
FES-UA overview, eligibility, and the EMA platform used by families.
Step Up For Students -
Step Up — Parent Handbook & Purchasing Guide
The authoritative reference for what scholarship funds can and cannot be used for. Rules update each scholarship year — verify current version.
Step Up For Students -
Florida DOE — School Choice Scholarship Programs
Florida DOE guidance on scholarship programs including FES and PEP, with links to official rules.
Florida Department of Education
Developmental Milestones
When parents wonder "is this normal?" the CDC's milestone framework is the best place to start. These are not pass/fail tests — they describe what most children can do by a given age.
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CDC — Developmental Milestones
Free, evidence-based milestone checklists for children ages 2 months to 5 years, including language, social, motor, and cognitive markers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -
CDC — Milestone Tracker App
A free app that helps parents track milestones and share concerns with their child's doctor.
CDC -
ASHA — Typical Speech and Language Development
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's overview of typical speech and language development by age.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Early Intervention (Under Age 3)
If your child is under age three and you have concerns, Florida Early Steps provides free evaluations and early intervention services.
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Florida Early Steps — Official Site
Florida's early intervention system for infants and toddlers (birth to 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. Free evaluations for eligible families.
Florida Department of Health -
Miami-Dade Early Steps Local Program
Local Early Steps contact for Miami-Dade families who want to request an evaluation.
Florida Department of Health
Florida Standards & Curriculum
For home education families who want to align learning with Florida's academic expectations, CPALMS is the state's official standards resource.
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CPALMS — Florida Standards Portal
Official source for Florida's academic standards (B.E.S.T. Standards), lesson resources, and assessment materials. Free for families.
Florida Department of Education -
Florida B.E.S.T. Standards Overview
An overview of Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Florida Department of Education
Professional Credentials
For parents who want to verify credentials of therapy providers in Florida, these are the official state licensing boards.
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Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Official licensing board for speech-language pathologists in Florida. Verify any provider's license here.
Florida Department of Health -
Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
Official licensing board for occupational therapists in Florida. License renewal is biennial.
Florida Department of Health
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