HEA 1004 Summary

• Establishes an early education grant pilot program for children ages 4-5 in Indiana households earning up to 127% of federal poverty level, effective July 1, 2014.

• Office of Family and Social Services administers pilot program in up to 5 counties selected for geographic and demographic diversity, with eligible providers including public schools, charter schools, and licensed child care facilities meeting quality standards.

• Grants to eligible children range from $2,500 to $6,800 per state fiscal year, with at least 10% but no more than 50% of tuition funded from private donations and federal sources; total grants capped at $10,000,000 annually.

• Funds pilot program from Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) federal grants or reverted state funds through June 30, 2015, with up to $1,000,000 available for a longitudinal study comparing participant outcomes to a control group through grade 3.

• Prohibits tax credits for scholarship contributions used for early education grant pilot program participation and establishes a prekindergarten and early learning study commission to report recommendations by November 1, 2014; program expires July 1, 2026.