S.B. 1023 Summary

• Appropriates funds from general revenues to the preschool open doors special fund for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to support the preschool grant program, temporary IT positions, and data governance modifications.

• Requires the Department of Human Services to provide reimbursements to early learning providers and adjust reimbursement rates at minimum once every two years based on a true cost of care or cost estimation model.

• Expands accreditation options for preschool open doors service providers to include director-approved accrediting organizations beyond the four specifically named national organizations.

• Expands eligibility for both the preschool open doors program and public prekindergarten program to include three-year-old children in the two years prior to kindergarten entry, with a six-tier priority enrollment system.

• Authorizes the preschool open doors special fund to accept federal funds as a funding source alongside existing fees, grants, donations, and legislative appropriations.