HI SB844

Establishes the Executive Office on Early Learning pre-kindergarten program within the early learning system to serve children in the year prior to kindergarten eligibility, with priority given to underserved or at-risk children.

Requires the program to implement high-quality standards including positive teacher-child interactions, individual child assessments covering all areas of development, family engagement, and alignment with Hawaii early learning and department of education standards.

Permits the Department of Education and public charter schools to use available classrooms for public preschool programs statewide, with priority given to schools serving high populations of underserved or at-risk children.

Mandates the Executive Office on Early Learning to submit reports to the legislature prior to the 2016, 2017, and 2018 sessions detailing classroom locations, enrollment data, waitlist information, program costs, and expansion plans.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.