MN HF553

Establishes a four-year pilot project to explore alignment between age 3 prekindergarten programs and grade 3 elementary education standards, curriculum, and teaching methods.

Requires participating partnerships to include a public elementary school (K-3), at least one local agency serving at-risk young children and families, and at least one early childhood education provider that serves children age 3 and older.

Commissioner of Education may select up to four applicants to develop and implement the pilot project, focusing on professional development for administrators, expanding provider capacity, and creating a continuum of high-quality learning opportunities.

Commissioner must evaluate pilot project effectiveness in consultation with early childhood education experts and determine best practices in administrator professional development, provider training coordination, and alignment between prekindergarten and K-3 academic standards.

Commissioner must submit pilot project findings report to education committees by February 1, 2016; program applies to 2011-2012 through 2014-2015 school years.