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IN SB0325
Bill
AI Summary
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Establishes the Indiana voluntary prekindergarten program to provide quality early education services to eligible children age 4-5 years old who do not receive Head Start funding.
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Creates the voluntary prekindergarten program fund administered by the Department of Education, with appropriations of $2.5 million (FY 2018), $148 million (FY 2019), and $176 million (FY 2020).
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Requires eligible providers to meet quality standards (Level 3 or 4 Paths to QUALITY rating), operate at least 180 days per year, administer kindergarten readiness assessments, and participate in accredited prekindergarten collaboratives within school corporation boundaries.
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Establishes prekindergarten collaboratives in each school corporation consisting of school representatives, business members, Head Start representatives, department representatives, and early education providers to coordinate services and allocate grants.
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Repeals the early education matching grant program and early education grant pilot program, replacing them with the new voluntary prekindergarten program effective July 1, 2018.
Legislative Description
Voluntary prekindergarten program. Establishes the voluntary prekindergarten program. Establishes the voluntary prekindergarten program fund. Makes an appropriation from the state general fund to fund the voluntary prekindergarten program in an amount not to exceed: (1) $2,500,000 for the state fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017; (2) $148,000,000 for the state fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018; and (3) $176,000,000 for the state fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019. Repeals provisions concerning the following: (1) The early education matching grant program. (2) The early education grant pilot program.
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Education and Career Development
1/9/2017