The 1999 Florida Legislature passed the School Readiness Act that will significantly change how state-funded early childhood and child care programs are administered in Florida. The intent of the legislation is to improve educational outcomes for children and to support families.

The Walton County School Readiness Coalition, which will be responsible for many important decisions regarding pre-school children, is in the organizational stage. The membership of the School Readiness Coalition is specified by law and includes designated members such as the Health Department Director, the District Administrator for the Department of Children and Families, and the School Superintendent. The legislation requires that other members represent specific community organizations. Eight seats on the Coalition are open for members of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber has available informational packets including the job description and application for members to be nominated by the Chamber. The Coalition will operate under Florida's Sunshine Law and its membership will be required to file financial disclosure.

In other activity, the legislature passed legislation that reorganized the Department of Labor and Employment Security. Included in the reorganization is a name change for the Division of Jobs and Benefits. Effective October 1, 1999, the Division of Jobs and Benefits is now the Division of Workforce and Employment Opportunities.

Employers and applicants should continue to contact the local office at 79 N. Davis Lane in DeFuniak Springs (892-8667) Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.