MS SB2799

Amends Section 37-21-51 to require the Legislature to fund the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013, which establishes a voluntary prekindergarten program for four-year-old children.

Changes minimum funding requirements from "not more than" to "not less than" specified amounts across three phases: $8,000,000 (Phase 1), $16,000,000 (Phase 2), and $33,950,000 (Phase 3).

Establishes program criteria including research-based curriculum aligned to comprehensive early learning standards, at least 15 hours of annual professional development, teacher-to-child ratios of 1:10 with maximum 20 children per classroom, and a minimum of 540 instructional hours for half-day and 1,080 hours for full-day programs.

Requires early learning collaboratives to match state funds on a 1:1 basis using local tax dollars, federal funds, parent tuition, philanthropic contributions, or in-kind donations.

Funds programs at $2,150 per full-day student and $1,075 per half-day student, with the State Department of Education reserving no more than 5% of annual appropriations for administrative costs.