DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 1061 Original 2016 Regular Session Gary Carter
Abstract: Provides for the establishment of a two-year, community-based pilot program for
providing early childhood education to certain three-year-old children in Orleans Parish.
Provides for program administration by the Algiers Development Corp. in accordance with
standards and criteria developed by the state Dept. of Education for early childhood
education programs.
Proposed law requires the state Dept. of Education, with the approval of the State Bd. of Elementary
and Secondary Education (BESE), to establish and provide for the implementation of a community-
based pilot program for providing early childhood education to certain children in Orleans Parish.
Provides for program implementation in the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years subject to the
appropriation of funds.
Provides for student eligibility criteria as follows:
(1)Is three years old or will be eligible to enroll in kindergarten in two school years pursuant to
present law (relative to kindergarten entrance age requirements).
(2)Resides in Orleans Parish.
(3)Is a member of a family with a total income that does not exceed 250% of the current federal
poverty guidelines.
(4)Is not enrolled in a publicly funded early childhood program.
Provides that the pilot program shall be administered by the Algiers Development Corp. (the
nonprofit corporation associated with the Algiers Development District) in accordance with the
standards and criteria developed by the state Dept. of Education and rules adopted by BESE for early
childhood education programs. Requires that early childhood education providers choosing to
participate in the pilot program meet the criteria established by the department pursuant to present
law.
Requires the state Dept. of Education to monitor and evaluate the program and submit a written
report of evaluation results including but not limited to the performance and progress of each child
participating in the program and all funding information for the program including any unexpended
funds. Requires such report to be submitted to the House and Senate education committees by May
1, 2017, and May 1, 2018. Requires that the final report include recommendations by the department as to whether the program should continue in the pilot program parish only or be implemented
statewide.
(Adds R.S. 17:24.10)