Workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum.

The Department of Education shall develop and implement by January 31, 2026, a workforce credential program for students with an autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum. The department shall work with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities established under s. 1004.6495 for the development and implementation of the program. The purpose of the program is to assist such students in securing employment upon graduation. The program must allow for such students to earn badges that designate that the students have acquired specific skills that meet employer needs.

(1)(a) Each badge must require the student to demonstrate five discrete skills or behaviors, including, but not limited to, workplace safety.

(b) The department shall collaborate with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop a workplace safety badge.

(2) The badge must be validated by two members of instructional staff who specialize in exceptional student education.

(3) Beginning with the 2026 calendar year through the 2030 calendar year, the department shall prepare an annual report by January 31 of the following year detailing the operations of the program. At a minimum, the report must include the badges offered by the program, data on postgraduation student employment, data on student participation rates in the program, and any other outcome data deemed necessary by the department to be included.