HF669 Summary

• Creates early childhood education scholarship program (Parent Aware) providing $4,000 annual scholarships to eligible families with income at or below 47% of state median income for children ages 3-4 enrolled in rated early childhood programs in designated Parent Aware Plus regions.

• Establishes quality rating system (Parent Aware) with 1-4 star ratings for early childhood education programs based on family partnerships, learning tracking, teacher training, and teaching materials, with ratings managed through a contracted organization and independent evaluation.

• Provides tax credits for early childhood education workers ($500-$3,000 based on experience points) and allows taxpayers to claim 75% tax credit for donations to qualified early childhood programs serving low-income students.

• Modifies child care subsidy provider choice requirements to mandate use of rated providers in Parent Aware Plus regions unless waiver granted, and increases subsidy rates by 15% for accredited providers or 4-star Parent Aware programs.

• Appropriates $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2012 and $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 to fund early childhood education scholarships and program implementation.