HB1104 Summary

• Amends section 15.1-37-01 to add language authorizing the superintendent of public instruction to conduct a quality improvement process for early childhood programs, self-declarations, and programs approved by the superintendent.

• Modifies section 50-11.1-02 definitions to clarify that "early childhood education programs" provided through programs approved by the superintendent under chapter 15.1-37 are excluded from the definition of regulated early childhood services.

• Changes the definition of "preschool" to increase the maximum daily service hours from three hours to four hours per day.

• Amends section 50-11.1-14.1 to expand the voluntary quality improvement process to include self-declarations in addition to licensed early childhood facilities, with provisions for quality incentive payments and higher reimbursement rates for participating programs.

• Allows the department to contract with state agencies or private nonprofit agencies to provide technical assistance and implement quality improvement provisions.