MN HF1736

Appropriates $3,500,000 as a one-time general fund allocation in fiscal year 2026 for early childhood literacy pilot programs, available until June 30, 2029

Requires the commissioner of education to convene an expert panel of structured literacy researchers, early educators, and family advocates to review literacy research and recommend pilot program practices

Establishes pilot programs in various early care settings including public school prekindergarten, Head Start, licensed family child care, child care centers, and home environments

Delays full implementation of kindergarten entry assessment requirements from the 2025-2026 school year to 2026-2027, and adds requirement that assessment tools align with early literacy screening tools

Mandates commissioner submit recommendations to legislature by February 1, 2029 for scaling up proven early childhood literacy approaches based on pilot program results