Bill > S06328

This bill modifies the existing education law to change how prekindergarten (pre-K) programs select students when there are more eligible children than available spots. Currently, selection is based on random selection, but the proposed bill would require districts receiving certain state funding to prioritize students from families eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (which typically indicates lower-income households) or who are emergent multilingual language learners (students learning English as an additional language). School districts that already operate targeted pre-K programs can continue to use their existing selection process. The changes would take effect immediately and apply to funding allocations and selection criteria for the 2025-2026 school year, aiming to provide more equitable access to early childhood education for economically disadvantaged and multilingual students.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6328