Relating to an enhanced quality full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts in conjunction with community providers.
Impact
By allowing the use of additional state funding to support these programs, HB130 proposes an annual allotment for each student enrolled, aimed at enhancing school readiness and educational achievement. The bill mandates that school districts allocate at least 20 percent of the new prekindergarten funding to contracts with eligible community providers starting in the second year of implementation. This stipulation is intended to foster collaboration between public education and community resources, thereby expanding access to quality early childhood education while also potentially increasing the diversity of educational approaches available to families.
Summary
House Bill 130 aims to establish an enhanced quality full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts in collaboration with community providers. The program is designed to cater to children eligible for prekindergarten classes and must adhere to specific operational standards set forth in the legislation. A notable feature of the bill includes the requirement for school districts to enroll a maximum of 22 students per class, ensuring a favorable student-teacher ratio of one teacher or aide for every 11 students, which proponents argue would improve the quality of early education.
Contention
Debate surrounding HB130 includes concerns from various stakeholders regarding the implementation and oversight of the program. Critics question the reliance on community providers, fearing discrepancies in educational quality and access. Additionally, there are discussions regarding the adequacy of training and qualifications required for teachers within the program, particularly given the stipulation that teachers must now have nine credit hours of early childhood education. Proponents, however, argue that these requirements will enhance educational outcomes and better prepare children for future educational endeavors.
Identical
Relating to an enhanced quality full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts in conjunction with community providers.
Relating to an alternative qualified early learning grant program administered by the commissioner of education and funding for prekindergarten and kindergarten programs under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to a gold standard full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts and the elimination of the high school allotment under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to measures to support kindergarten readiness and early literacy and numeracy skills for public school students, including an early childhood parental support program and prekindergarten programs in public schools, and to funding under the Foundation School Program for certain school districts and to support those measures.
Relating to student eligibility for free high quality prekindergarten programs and state financial support for each school district that elects to provide a full-day prekindergarten program.
Relating to measures to support kindergarten readiness and early literacy and numeracy skills for public school students and to funding to support those measures.