NC H485

Establishes a three-year virtual early learning pilot program called "UpStart" targeting at-risk preschool-age children to develop school readiness skills in reading, math, and science through home-based computer instruction.

State Board of Education shall select up to 10 local education agencies with demonstrated NC Pre-K waiting lists from geographically diverse areas (tier one, two, and three counties) to participate in the pilot program.

Eligible participants are 4-year-old children whose families earn at or below 100% of federal poverty level, active duty military families, or families of injured/killed service members; children at 130% of poverty level may participate if funds are available.

Contractor must provide computer-assisted instruction, technical support, equipment installation for low-income families, parent communication, software updates, usage data collection, and progress reports for parents and schools.

Appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring General Fund dollars for each year of the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium, divided evenly among participating school districts, with annual reports due to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by November 30.