NY A09128

Establishes a new grant formula for school districts providing prekindergarten services starting in the 2024-2025 school year, calculated as the greater of prior year amounts or $6,400 per pupil (adjusted annually for inflation) multiplied by weighted student counts for half-day and full-day three and four-year-old programs.

Increases the minimum set-aside requirement for collaborative grants with community-based organizations from 10 percent to 15 percent of total grant awards to school districts.

Requires the Commissioner of Education to consult with the Commissioner of Children and Family Services to establish equivalent standards for teacher-to-student ratios and maximum class sizes across school district and eligible agency prekindergarten programs.

Directs the Commissioner of Education to identify strategies for supporting prekindergarten providers, including facilitating access to qualified early childhood education professionals and reducing overhead expenses.