Bill > A06583

This bill modifies existing education law to change how prekindergarten program slots are allocated in school districts receiving certain state funding. Specifically, the bill eliminates the current requirement of random selection when more eligible children exist than available slots, and instead mandates that districts prioritize enrollment for two specific groups of students: children from families eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and emergent multilingual language learners (also known as English language learners). The bill allows school districts that already operated a targeted prekindergarten program in a previous base year to continue using their existing selection process. The changes will take effect immediately and will apply to funding allocations and selection criteria for the 2025-2026 school year. By prioritizing these student populations, the bill aims to provide more equitable access to early childhood education for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and those who are developing English language skills.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6583