AZ SB1650

Establishes the Quality Early Childhood Education Supplemental Assistance Grant Program within the Department of Education to provide early childhood learning services to children from low-income families.

Eligibility limited to Head Start program recipients/subrecipients or school districts receiving federal Title I preschool funding that demonstrate need for additional services and capacity to expand if funded.

Requires participating providers to maintain quality standards including research-based curriculum, mixed-income classrooms with specified staff ratios, developmental screening, parent involvement, health services, mental health consultations, and language access/dual language education opportunities.

Mandates at least 10 percent of funded children be children with disabilities and ensures full participation and accommodations in least restrictive environments.

Appropriates $175,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2025-2026 for the grant program, with intent that appropriation be considered ongoing.