SB 797 Summary

• Establishes a voluntary prekindergarten education program administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for eligible children ages three to seven in Missouri

• Allows private, for-profit, non-profit, community-based organizations, and public schools to serve as eligible providers if they meet department standards and are approved to participate

• Department must establish standards for teacher-child ratios, class sizes, student learning standards, staff qualifications, and collaboration guidelines with early care providers and community partners

• Department shall begin implementing the program by November 30, 2012 and complete phase-in by July 1, 2017, subject to appropriations

• Program automatically sunsets six years after the effective date unless reauthorized by the general assembly, or sunsets twelve years after reauthorization