DE HB49

Adds a new definition of "early education program" to mean public programs operated by state-owned entities, including local education agencies, for children below kindergarten age

Removes "early education programs" operated by public schools from the definition of "child care centers" that require OCCL licensing

Exempts early education programs from the standard child care licensing requirements under the Delaware Child Care Act

Requires early education programs to be monitored by the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) and meet OCCL regulatory requirements, rather than being licensed

Creates a parallel regulatory structure where public pre-K programs face monitoring rather than full licensure, while still maintaining health, safety, and child development standards