Bill > H703

This bill establishes a universal pre-kindergarten (pre-k) program for children aged 2 years and 9 months to 5 years who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten, with the goal of providing equitable, culturally responsive early education across the state. The program will offer at least 30 hours of publicly funded pre-k instruction per week during the school year, to be provided in public schools or public charter schools, and will focus on developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support children's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and linguistic development. To support the program's implementation, the bill creates a pre-k advisory council of 11 members appointed by the governor, representing diverse educational backgrounds including gateway cities, elementary school principals, teachers, early education professionals, and higher education experts. The council will be responsible for identifying resources, ensuring cultural and linguistic diversity among staff, establishing salary requirements for pre-k teachers, and providing guidance on program development. The bill emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive learning environments that recognize and value the diverse cultural backgrounds of children and their families, with the ultimate aim of advancing state goals of equity, diversity, and full inclusion in early childhood education.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H703