The Florida League of Christian Schools FLOCS has been a foundational pillar of Christian education in Florida since 1983, offering the premier choice for preschool and K-12 education while promoting biblical values, academic achievement, and professional excellence among its member institutions. Recognized as an accrediting agency at both the state and national levels, FLOCS operates as a nonprofit voluntary membership organization committed to improving the quality of education throughout Florida. As a division of League of Christian Schools LLC located in Lakeland, Florida, FLOCS diligently serves and advocates for schools and centers across the state.

WHY?

As the leader in school choice, Florida serves as a proving ground for private education, and since 1983, FLOCS has been a steadfast advocate and voice for Christian schools, focusing on their development and sustainability within the school choice movement. FLOCS distinguishes itself by addressing state issues with a singular focus, aiming to create a model for other states to emulate. Our sister agency, the International League of Christian Schools, offers these same vital services across various states and internationally.

State Approvals

FLOCS accreditation is recognized in Florida as a distinguished Gold Seal provider, approved by DCF to manage Religious Exemption for Preschools and endorsed by the Children’s Forum for administering Gold Seal Accreditation. Our accreditation also positions Christian preschools to qualify for VPK Funding, and we are licensed by the Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education under License number 4063. The FLOCS Master In-service Program provides a comprehensive framework for our in-service training, detailing the necessary steps for teacher certification and renewal. Additionally, FLOCS offers PEC training designed for new teachers transitioning from college or out of state, facilitating their certification with the Florida Department of Education. To support professional growth, FLOCS provides CET opportunities for administrators and teachers to collaborate in observing, coaching, and mentoring new educators on essential competencies. Furthermore, we offer a Florida Child Care Professional Credential program that equips participants with the training required to meet Florida’s Staff Credential standards. In collaboration with Southeastern University, the League of Christian Schools presents the Early Childhood Administration and Management Course.

Professional Educator’s Competencies (PEC)

The Florida League of Christian Schools offers PEC training designed to meet the state’s beginning teacher program requirements for new teachers from college or out of state seeking teacher certification with the Department of Education. This training is crucial for coaching and mentoring teachers and is a prerequisite for interns and supervising peer teachers in educational programs aimed at achieving Florida teaching certification. For Christian schools hiring teachers who wish to obtain state licensing, participation in this program is mandatory. The FLOCS PEC program addresses the twelve competencies necessary for professional teacher certification and follows the guidelines set by the Florida Department of Education, including targeted training for administration and teacher interaction, all from a Christian perspective. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the domains and competencies associated with effective teaching while developing skills essential for mentoring and coaching peers and pre-service teachers through group activities, individual assignments, team analysis, demonstrations, practice, and assessments.

Clinical Educator Training (CET)

The Clinical Educator Training equips administrators and teachers to collaboratively observe, coach, and mentor new educators in key competencies. There is flexibility regarding the timing of observations or practice sessions unless participants seek in-service credit or CEUs for the training. FLOCS facilitates observations throughout the training process. Additionally, administrators and teachers can earn extra in-service hours when they participate in observing and coaching new teachers. This program is regularly updated to maintain compliance with state requirements. For observation requests, please contact our offices.

FLOCS ACCREDITED Centers can receive VPK Funds. Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program was established in 2005 following the 2002 voter-approved constitutional amendment that granted prekindergarten access to all four-year-olds. In a recent shift in state policy, parents are now allowed to defer enrollment for younger four-year-olds until the following year, thereby making five-year-olds eligible for the program starting in the 2016-2017 school year. The Office of Early Learning manages this program as an independent agency within the state Department of Education. Eligible children can enroll in either a mandated 300-hour summer program or a 540-hour school year program. Teachers in the school year program must possess at least a Child Development Associate degree or equivalent credential, while those in the summer program must hold a bachelor’s degree. VPK is offered at accredited Christian preschools, with regional early learning coalitions overseeing compliance and funding distribution based on a fixed hourly rate. These programs are required to adhere to the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four-Year-Olds, which were updated in 2017. Funding is allocated by state legislators during the annual appropriations process, and the State Board of Education establishes a minimum kindergarten readiness rate to evaluate the effectiveness of VPK providers and schools. All providers must conduct the Florida VPK assessment at the beginning and end of the school year to measure learning gains. Additionally, Florida’s School Readiness Program is a distinct initiative that began in 1999 and was enhanced in 2001 by merging two other programs: the Prekindergarten Early Intervention Program, which emphasizes children’s health, and the State Migrant Prekindergarten Program, catering to three- and four-year-olds whose parents work in migratory agricultural or fishing jobs. This program provides financial assistance for childcare to eligible families.