CT SB00025

Establishes the Connecticut Smart Start competitive grant program administered by the Office of Early Childhood to reimburse local and regional boards of education for capital and operating expenses related to establishing or expanding preschool programs, effective July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2024.

Provides capital grants up to $75,000 per classroom for renovation costs and annual operating grants up to $5,000 per child served or $75,000 per classroom, with a maximum of $300,000 per town annually, for a period of five years.

Requires applicant boards of education to demonstrate need, submit an expenditure plan, and obtain support from local school readiness councils, with priority given to programs serving low-income families and offering full-day kindergarten or regional cooperative arrangements.

Mandates that preschool programs employ state-certified teachers with early childhood education endorsements, comply with National Association for the Education of Young Children standards, and obtain accreditation within three years.

Requires annual reporting by participating boards of education and allows implementation of sliding fee scales for participating families.