MS HB340

Creates a voluntary, publicly-funded universal prekindergarten program available to all children aged 4 by September 1, providing at least 10 hours per week for 35 weeks annually

Parents may choose to enroll children in prequalified private providers or public school programs in their district or other districts, with tuition paid by the child's school district of residence at an established statewide rate

Establishes minimum quality standards for prequalification including NAEYC accreditation, teacher qualifications per Section 37-21-3, 15+ hours annual professional development, research-based curriculum, 1:10 teacher-child ratio, and provision of at least one meal daily

Requires joint administration by the State Board of Education and Division of Early Childhood Care and Development to develop rules, establish statewide tuition rates, approve school district expansion of programs, and monitor program effectiveness with annual legislative reporting

School districts must count prekindergarten children in average daily attendance for funding purposes and include prekindergarten costs in annual budget requests; allows school boards to limit tuition payments to providers within a defined regional area with limited exceptions