AK HB52

Allows school districts to provide pre-elementary programs for students ages three through five years old within elementary schools, alongside department-supervised and Head Start programs.

Permits children who are three years old on or before September 1 to enroll in public school pre-elementary programs if they are under school age.

Requires the state board of education to adopt regulations for certifying and implementing a statewide early childhood education plan using a model curriculum developed by the department.

Excludes pre-elementary students enrolled in programs complying with the statewide plan and funded through sources other than the general school funding chapter from being counted toward a school's average daily membership for funding purposes.

Removes the prior restriction that prevented all pre-elementary students (except those receiving special education services) from being counted in a school's average daily membership.