MN SF1663

Expands early learning scholarship program eligibility from children ages three to four to children from birth to age five, effective July 1, 2017.

Establishes highest priority for scholarship applications from children with parents under age 21 pursuing a high school or GED diploma, children in foster care or needing protection, and children who experienced homelessness in the last 24 months.

Allows parents under age 21 pursuing a high school or GED diploma with children ages zero to five to be eligible for scholarships if they meet income guidelines of 185 percent of federal poverty level.

Requires automatic scholarship awards for siblings ages zero to five attending the same program as an eligible scholarship recipient, as long as funds are available.

Appropriates unspecified amounts from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 for early learning scholarships, with up to $950,000 annually for administration and up to five percent annually for transfer to expand the quality rating and improvement system.

Appropriates unspecified amounts to the commissioner of health for community-led targeted home visiting services to families living in poverty, targeting first-time mothers and high-risk families with children prenatal through age five.