MS SB2286

Establishes minimum per-student funding of $2,500 for full-day and $1,250 for half-day prekindergarten programs, increasing from previous amounts of $2,150 and $1,075 respectively.

Requires individualized professional development plans for all teachers and teaching assistants with classroom-embedded support on an ongoing basis, in addition to at least 15 annual professional development hours.

Mandates use of evidence-based curricula meeting one of three tiers of research evidence (strong, moderate, or promising) aligned with comprehensive early learning standards.

Directs the Department of Education to submit rigorous three-year evaluations of program effectiveness to the Legislature beginning July 1, 2022, with the PEER Committee to review findings and report before each legislative session.

Establishes a goal to serve 25% of four-year-old children in the state by the 2022-2023 school year with annual increases in appropriated funds.