MN HF4176

Defines "prekindergarten" as a program for children under age five on September 1 that prepares them for kindergarten entry.

Expands voluntary prekindergarten eligibility to include ten criteria such as free/reduced meals, English language learners, homelessness, foster care, and at-risk designations.

Requires programs to provide at least 350 hours of instruction per school year with play-based learning, developmental assessments, and staff-to-child ratios of 1:10 maximum group size of 20.

Increases participation limit from 7,160 to 12,360 participants starting fiscal year 2026 and establishes priority allocation based on poverty concentration and existing quality programs.

Repeals the school readiness plus program effective July 1, 2025, consolidating it into the voluntary prekindergarten framework.