MN SF2692

Removes the $5,000 annual cap on early learning scholarships and directs the commissioner of education to establish a target average scholarship amount based on a rate survey.

Establishes automatic annual appropriations beginning in fiscal year 2016, with the baseline appropriation equal to the lesser of twice the previous year's amount or the actual amount needed to fund all eligible scholarship requests.

Increases appropriations for early learning scholarships from $23,000,000 to $43,000,000 in fiscal year 2015, with up to $950,000 annually designated for program administration.

Appropriates $500,000 for establishing best practice standards and training programs for targeted home visiting, and $1,600,000 for a home visiting pilot program for highest-risk families receiving Minnesota Family Investment Program assistance.

Appropriates $2,750,000 to create a pilot program providing grants of up to $8,000 to licensed family child care providers to participate in the state quality rating system, and $15,030,000 for a pilot program offering early childhood scholarships to families with children under age three in Minnesota's four transformation zones.