MD HB1374

Removes 3-year-olds from the standard "Tier I child" definition for publicly funded prekindergarten, limiting public school prekindergarten enrollment to 4-year-olds from families at or below 300% of federal poverty level or who are homeless youth

Authorizes eligible private prekindergarten providers to voluntarily enroll Tier I 3-year-olds and receive public funding under § 5–229, requiring them to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the State Department of Education and county board of education

Requires private providers enrolling 3-year-olds to notify and continually update the Department and county board on the number of prekindergarten slots used and enrollment duration for those children

Mandates that local departments of social services and health departments notify parents of 3-year-olds about prekindergarten eligibility only in counties where private providers have elected to enroll 3-year-olds

Applies prospectively only and does not affect 3-year-olds already enrolled or scheduled to enroll in public prekindergarten by June 30, 2025; takes effect July 1, 2025