Bill > H523

This bill establishes a Universal Pre-Kindergarten Commission tasked with investigating and developing a comprehensive plan to provide pre-kindergarten education to every 3- and 4-year-old child in Massachusetts. The commission will be chaired by the commissioner of early education and care and include members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and representatives from various educational organizations such as Head Start, teachers' unions, and school administrators. By December 31, 2026, the commission must submit a detailed report analyzing the best ways to expand pre-kindergarten offerings, including considerations of different program models (like Head Start, public schools, and private programs), cost implications, parental preferences, educational quality, and potential funding mechanisms. The bill also includes a funding provision that would redirect excess funds from the Convention Center Fund to the department of early education and care specifically for expanding pre-kindergarten programs. The commission is directed to explore various aspects of pre-kindergarten expansion, such as curriculum standards, safety considerations, potential financial benefits for parents and children, and ways to increase participation in quality rating systems.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H523