HF 1220 Summary

• Establishes an early learning scholarships program to increase access to high-quality early childhood programs for children ages three to five.

• Eligible families must have a child age three or four years old on September 1 of the current school year and have income at or below 185 percent of federal poverty level, or document participation in qualifying assistance programs including free and reduced-price lunch, Head Start, or foster care.

• Scholarships capped at $5,000 per year for fiscal years 2014 and 2015; starting fiscal year 2016, commissioner establishes target based on rate surveys with up to 15 percent increase for three-star Parent Aware-rated programs and up to 20 percent for four-star programs.

• Eligible programs must participate in quality rating and improvement system and have a three- or four-star rating beginning July 1, 2020, or qualify through evidence-based program evaluation.

• Appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund to the commissioner of education for early learning scholarships for fiscal years 2016 and 2017.