Iowa House Bill HF2353

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to preschool for four-year-old children, including funding, minimum hours, and approved programs, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

By redefining the structure of statewide voluntary preschool programs, HF2353 is expected to improve educational access and quality for children from low-income backgrounds. The bill also introduces measures that allow more flexibility for nonpublic preschool programs, which will now be recognized for funding under the education savings account (ESA) program. This adjustment aims to support parents in making educational choices outside of traditional school districts, promoting a diverse range of preschool options.

Summary

House File 2353 aims to enhance the preschool education framework for four-year-old children in Iowa. The bill mandates that statewide voluntary preschool programs (SVPP) must include a minimum of 20 hours of instructional time per week for children from households earning below 185% of the federal poverty level. This change is a significant increase from the current requirement of only 10 hours per week. Furthermore, the calculation of preschool budget enrollment for funding has been revised, now accounting for children receiving the enhanced 20 hours and those who are eligible but enrolled in reduced hours.

Contention

While proponents of HF2353 laud the increase in educational hours and funding for preschool, critics argue that the bill may potentially undermine the quality of education by allowing nonpublic programs to be funded without requiring the employment of licensed teachers or collaboration with local school districts. The discretion given to the state board of education to alter the program's requirements further fuels concerns about accountability and educational standards across different types of schooling. As the bill can lead to significant shifts in early childhood education, discussions will likely continue over the balance of quality versus access.