HI SB863

Establishes the executive office on early learning prekindergarten program administered by the executive office on early learning to provide high-quality early childhood education through public schools and charter schools prior to kindergarten entry.

Program shall serve children in the year prior to kindergarten eligibility, with enrollment voluntary, and may be offered in either of Hawaii's two official languages.

Requires incorporation of research-based high-quality standards including positive teacher-child interactions, individual child assessments for instructional planning, family engagement, and alignment with Hawaii early learning and development standards that connect to kindergarten through grade twelve standards.

Mandates the department of education and charter schools use available classrooms for public preschool classrooms statewide, establishing these in addition to existing pre-plus programs.

Requires the executive office on early learning to report to the legislature before 2016, 2017, and 2018 sessions on classroom locations, enrollment numbers, waitlists, program costs, quality standards compliance, and expansion plans.