MS SB2243

Changes the minimum age for voluntary prekindergarten enrollment from four (4) years old to three (3) years old, effective with the 2024-2025 school year.

Establishes that three-year-old children who will have reached three years of age by September 1 of a school year are eligible for the voluntary prekindergarten program.

Updates all references throughout Section 37-21-51 to reflect three-year-olds instead of four-year-olds in the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013.

Maintains all existing program criteria, funding structures, and requirements for early learning collaboratives serving the expanded younger age group.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.