Bill > H4291

This bill aims to ensure high-quality early education in Massachusetts. It would amend the state's laws to: 1. Establish a rate structure and sliding fee scale for subsidized early education and care programs that is adequate to meet the cost of providing high-quality services to low-income and at-risk children. 2. Create an early childhood mental health consultation grant program to provide on-site coaching and support to address children's social, emotional, and behavioral needs and reduce expulsions/suspensions. 3. Develop performance standards to limit the use of suspension and expulsion in early education programs, including requirements for staff training and referrals for children with intensive needs. 4. Create a scholarship program to cover tuition, fees, and other supports for early educators pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees to meet program quality standards. The bill also requires the Department of Early Education and Care to report on strategies to continue preschool expansion grant programs and design plans for the educator scholarship program.

Budget and Finance

Committee on Education (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4291