MN SF2683

Expands voluntary public prekindergarten programs to include school districts, charter schools, Head Start agencies, and licensed center-based or family child care providers serving eligible four-year-old children with between 425 and 850 hours of instruction annually.

Establishes new "Grow Your Own Early Childhood Educator" grant program ($1.5 million annually) to help individuals earn child development associate credentials, associate's degrees, or bachelor's degrees in early childhood education through eligible providers.

Increases developmental screening aid rates from $75 to $98 for age 3, $50 to $65 for age 4, $40 to $52 for age 5-6, and $30 to $39 for kindergarten entry.

Sets maximum per-pupil funding at $11,200 for fiscal years 2026-2027 for Head Start and licensed child care prekindergarten programs, with adjustments based on state formula allowance in later years.

Appropriates $24 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2025 for Grow Your Own programs and $160.7 million annually for early learning scholarships, with additional funding for Head Start programs, family education, and developmental screening.