(1) The Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Program is created within the Department of Education. The purpose of the program is to assist participating school districts in implementing comprehensive music education programs for students in kindergarten through grade 2.
(2) A school district is eligible for participation in the program if the superintendent certifies to the department, in a format prescribed by the department, that specified elementary schools within the district have established a comprehensive music education program that:(a) Includes all students at the school enrolled in kindergarten through grade 2.
(b) Is staffed by certified music educators.
(c) Provides music instruction for at least 30 consecutive minutes 2 days a week.
(d) Complies with class size requirements under s. 1003.03. (e) Complies with the department’s standards for early childhood music education programs for students in kindergarten through grade 2.
(3)(a) The department shall approve school districts for participation in the program, subject to legislative appropriation, based on needs-based criteria established by the State Board of Education. Subject to appropriations provided in the General Appropriations Act, participating school districts shall annually receive a maximum of $150 per full-time equivalent student in kindergarten through grade 2 who is enrolled in a comprehensive music education program.
(b) To maintain eligibility for participation in the program, a participating school district must annually certify to the department, in a format prescribed by the department, that each specified elementary school within the district provides a comprehensive music education program that meets the requirements of subsection (2). If a participating school district fails to provide the annual certification for a fiscal year, the school district must return all funds received through the pilot program for that fiscal year.
(4) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to administer this section.
