The Gold Seal Quality Care Program, often referred to as the Gold Seal program, was established in Florida in 1996 to recognize and celebrate child care facilities and family day care homes that demonstrate a commitment to exceeding basic licensing standards. This prestigious program highlights providers who have achieved accreditation from recognized agencies, signifying an exceptional level of care and supervision for children. Initially under the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Gold Seal program transitioned to the Department of Education on July 1, 2021, further emphasizing its importance within the state’s educational framework.
Participation in the Gold Seal Quality Care Program is entirely voluntary and open to a wide range of child care providers in Florida. This includes legally operating child care facilities and family day care homes, with the exception of specific license-exempt school-age programs as outlined in Chapter 65C-22.008(3), F.A.C. It’s crucial to understand that the Gold Seal designation is not an accreditation itself. Instead, it serves as a distinguished recognition for providers who have already attained accreditation, unlocking a range of potential advantages.
Benefits of Achieving Gold Seal Quality Care Designation
For child care providers dedicated to excellence, the Gold Seal Quality Care Program offers tangible benefits that can significantly enhance their operations and appeal:
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Enhanced Marketing and Credibility: The Gold Seal designation acts as a powerful marketing tool, instantly signaling to prospective parents your commitment to high-quality care. It provides a competitive edge and builds trust with families seeking the best possible environment for their children.
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Sales and Property Tax Exemptions: The Florida Department of Revenue provides sales tax exemption certificates specifically for Gold Seal Quality Care Child Care Facilities. This exemption applies to essential educational materials, reducing operational costs. For property tax exemptions, facilities can apply through their local property appraiser’s office, further easing financial burdens.
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Increased Reimbursement Rates through School Readiness Program: Providers with the Gold Seal designation are eligible for higher reimbursement rates within Florida’s School Readiness Program. This financial incentive recognizes and supports the enhanced quality of care provided by Gold Seal facilities. For detailed information, visit the School Readiness Program website.
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Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program Eligibility: Holding the Gold Seal Quality Care Accreditation can be a key requirement for participating in the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. This opens doors to offering crucial early learning experiences to more children. Further details are available on the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program page.
Gold Seal Quality Care Program: Frequently Asked Questions
To provide further clarity, here are answers to common questions about the Gold Seal Quality Care Program:
Licensing Requirements for Gold Seal Eligibility
Question: Does a child care provider need to be licensed to qualify for the Gold Seal Quality Care Program?
Answer: To achieve Gold Seal Quality Care Program designation, 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. While the Division of Early Learning itself doesn’t mandate licensure for Gold Seal participation, some accrediting bodies might require it as part of their accreditation process. For example, the National Association for Family Child Care necessitates licensure for family child care homes seeking accreditation. Non-licensed providers applying for the Gold Seal program must agree to periodic inspections by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the local licensing authority.
Costs Associated with Gold Seal Designation
Question: What are the costs involved in becoming a Gold Seal Quality Care Program provider?
Answer: The Division of Early Learning does not impose any fees for the Gold Seal Quality Care Program designation itself. However, accrediting associations do charge application and validation fees as part of their accreditation process. For specific details on accreditation fees and related costs, it’s recommended to directly contact the accrediting association you are interested in.
Steps to Accreditation for Gold Seal
Question: What are the necessary steps to become accredited for the Gold Seal program?
Answer: To pursue Gold Seal recognition, providers must first select an accrediting association recognized by the Division of Early Learning for participation in the Gold Seal Quality Care Program. A comprehensive list of recognized accrediting associations is available at Gold Seal accrediting associations (PDF). It is advisable for providers to thoroughly research each Accrediting Association to determine the best fit for their specific program and philosophy.
Multiple Accreditations and Gold Seal
Question: Can a child care provider be accredited by more than one approved Gold Seal Quality Care Program accrediting association?
Answer: Yes, providers can indeed be accredited by multiple approved associations. However, it’s important to note that the Department of Children and Families’ Provider Search webpage currently displays only one accreditation per child care provider in their Gold Seal designation information. Having multiple accreditations from approved Gold Seal Quality Care Program Accrediting Associations does not affect the Gold Seal Quality Care Program reimbursement rate or tax benefits.
Gold Seal Certificate Processing Time
Question: How long does it typically take to receive a Gold Seal Quality Care certificate after submitting the application?
Answer: The standard processing time for a Gold Seal Quality Care Program application request is approximately three weeks. However, for license-exempt providers without an inspection history in the past two years, an inspection will be required before application approval, which may extend the processing time. Upon application approval, the Children’s Forum will issue an electronic certificate.
Issuance of Tax Exemption Certificates
Question: Who is responsible for issuing tax exemptions for Gold Seal designated providers?
Answer: The Florida Department of Revenue handles the issuance of sales tax exemption certificates. This exemption covers specific educational materials, including items like books, crayons, educational toys, glue, paint, paper, craft supplies, and scissors. The application for a Tax Exemption for Gold Seal Quality Care Child Care Facilities can be found on the Gold Seal Quality Care Program page of the Children’s Forum website.
For property tax exemptions, providers should contact their local property appraiser’s office or visit: http://floridarevenue.com/Pages/forms_index.aspx#adval for more information and application procedures.
For further information about the Gold Seal Quality Care Program:
- Telephone: 1-888-352-4453
- Email: [email protected]
By understanding and pursuing the Gold Seal Quality Care Program, child care providers in Florida can demonstrate their commitment to excellence, gain valuable recognition, and access benefits that support their mission of providing high-quality early learning experiences.
