ND HB1466

Establishes "Best in Class Four-Year Old Experiences" grant program providing annual awards of $120,000 per approved group size, requiring a $20,000 match in other funds and assignment of a program support coach.

Eligible four-year old programs must operate at least 400 hours over 32 consecutive weeks, serve children who reached age four before August 1st, include 10+ hours of research-based family engagement, and meet step three standards in North Dakota's early childhood quality improvement system.

Grant funds may support staffing, training, equipment, and supplies but cannot be used for construction or rehabilitation; equipment and supplies purchased with grants remain the property of the program after grant completion.

Programs must use department-established sliding fee scales, admit children of all learning abilities and those receiving child care assistance, maintain recommended group sizes, and comply with staff qualification and professional development requirements.

Requires uniform data collection and reporting system; suspends sections 15.1-37-05, 15.1-37-06, and 15.1-37-08 of North Dakota Century Code relating to early childhood education grants; act expires June 30, 2025.