Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential Stipends

The Florida Department of Education's Master Agreement DEL01 is an Indefinite Delivery Vehicle focused on providing monetary incentives for literacy professional development in early childhood education. The IDV supports eligible instructional personnel working in Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) and School Readiness (SR) programs by offering stipends for completing specialized literacy micro-credentials. These credentials include the Emergent Literacy Micro-credential and Elementary Literacy Micro-credential, which are delivered through the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning's Flamingo Learning system. The micro-credentials involve a hybrid learning model comprising online modules, instructor-supported courses, and job-embedded practicum experiences designed to enhance literacy instruction for educators working with children from birth through PreK.

The master agreement is awarded to the University of Florida Board of Trustees, with a contract period from the execution date through July 31, 2024. The total contract value is $89,000,000, funded through multiple sources including ARPA CCDF Discretionary funds and State General Revenue. Stipends range from $1,000 to $3,000 per eligible participant, with approximately 13,800 completion stipends planned at $2,000 each. The contract covers the state of Florida and is structured as a master agreement targeting instructional personnel at VPK and SR contract providers. Eligible participants must complete specific training modules and submit required documentation by June 16, 2024, with stipends administered on a case-by-case basis and prioritized based on fund availability.