IL HB5361

Changes parenting education instruction in Illinois schools from optional ("may provide") to mandatory ("shall provide") for grades 9 through 12, effective July 1, 2024.

Keeps parenting education optional for grades 6 through 8, allowing school districts to determine whether to offer instruction at those levels.

Requires instruction to cover child development, childbirth and care, family structure and management, prenatal and postnatal care, child abuse prevention, and parenting skill development.

Authorizes the State Board of Education to assist districts with developing instructional materials, training teachers, and establishing time allotments for parenting education courses.

Allows school districts to offer parenting education courses outside regular school hours and may charge fees not exceeding per capita operational costs, with provisions to waive fees for indigent students or those with educational need.