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IA HF275

IA HF275
A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the enrollment of eligible children in the statewide preschool program.

summary

Introduced
02/10/2025
In Committee
02/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill modifies provisions related to the enrollment of eligible children in the statewide preschool program. Current law requires the state board of education to adopt rules to define certain specified requirements that are used to determine whether a local preschool program provided by a school district will be considered an approved local program under the statewide preschool program established under Code chapter 256C, including requirements related to maximum and minimum teacher-to-child ratios, student learning standards, and provisions for the integration of children from other state and federally funded preschool programs. The bill adds to the list of requirements the requirement that the local program provide for ensuring that if there is a waiting list for eligible children to enroll in the local program, that the local program gives priority on the waiting list to eligible children who meet the definitional requirements of the term “homeless individual” under federal law.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the statewide preschool program in Iowa by adding a new requirement for local preschool programs regarding waiting list prioritization. Specifically, the bill mandates that if a local preschool program has a waiting list for eligible children, it must give priority to children who are considered "homeless" under federal law (defined in 42 U.S.C. §11302(a) and (c)). This means that children experiencing homelessness, as defined by the federal statute, would move to the top of the waiting list for preschool enrollment, ensuring that some of the most vulnerable young learners have increased access to early childhood education. The provision is consistent with existing requirements for local preschool programs and aims to support homeless children's educational opportunities by providing them with preferential enrollment in the statewide preschool program.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (16)

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Education. H.J. 273. (on 02/10/2025)

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