MO HB1871

Establishes the "Missouri Early Childhood Education Act" allowing children ages 4-5 (on or before August 1st) who have not attended public school kindergarten to enroll in half-day or full-day early childhood programs at public schools where offered.

Enrollment is optional and free of charge for children in their resident school district, provided the district has adequate physical facilities and teaching personnel.

Students enrolled in early childhood programs are counted in their district's average daily attendance calculations for funding purposes.

Children in districts without early childhood programs may transfer to another district offering such programs if that district agrees and has capacity, attending free of charge and counting toward the receiving district's average daily attendance.

Districts may refuse nonresident transfers if the child does not meet the age requirement, lacks required qualifications, or the district lacks physical facilities or teaching personnel to accommodate the student.