MN SF1616

Caps early learning scholarships at $5,000 per year for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 only; directs commissioner to establish target average scholarship amounts for fiscal year 2016 and later based on rate survey results.

Allows four-star rated programs with scholarship-eligible children to notify the commissioner annually of desire to enhance services or serve more children, and permits commissioner to designate predetermined scholarship slots for qualifying programs.

Enables school districts and Head Start programs enrolling scholarship recipients to use established registration processes and verify family income the same way as other program participants, effective July 1, 2016.

Reduces scholarship cancellation timeline from ten months to three months if recipient is not accepted and enrolled in a rated program within that period.

Authorizes school districts and Head Start programs to apply for direct state aid payment beginning fiscal year 2017, with commissioner paying programs directly for approved scholarship recipients according to established payment schedules.