MN HF2558

Increases early learning scholarship program funding to $273,000,000 for fiscal year 2015, with $100,000,000 allocated specifically for children under age four, and establishes scholarship eligibility for children under five with family income at or below 185 percent of federal poverty level.

Appropriates $80,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 to fully fund the basic sliding fee child care assistance program, removing previous limitations based on available appropriations.

Expands eligibility for student parents under age 21 pursuing high school or GED diplomas to receive child care assistance scholarships for children ages zero to five.

Modifies the early learning scholarship program administration by establishing prioritization criteria based on neighborhood poverty levels, teen pregnancy rates, achievement gaps, and other risk factors, with scholarship awards to begin April 15 each year.

Appropriates funding for expansion of home visiting programs serving highest-risk families enrolled in the Minnesota family investment program and authorizes training for early learning providers on early brain development.