HB 5150 Summary

• Increases income eligibility threshold for Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) from 250% to 350% of federal poverty level for at least 90% of enrolled children, with optional expansion to 400% if all lower-income slots are filled.

• Allocates $243,600,000 for 2017-2018 to eligible intermediate districts and consortia for part-day, school-day, or GSRP/Head Start blended comprehensive preschool programs for 4-year-old children.

• Requires intermediate districts to contract with at least 30% of funding allocation to community-based providers (private for-profit, nonprofit, Head Start, community colleges) to expand program access.

• Establishes program requirements including Connect4Learning curriculum, nutritional services, health/developmental screening, parent involvement, quality assessments, and participation in Great Start to Quality rating system with minimum 3-star rating.

• Allocates $10,000,000 for transportation cost reimbursement (capped at $300 per child) and $300,000 for longitudinal evaluation of program participants.