Bill > S0971

This bill establishes a statewide digital prekindergarten (Pre-K) seat finder platform to help families with three and four-year-old children access high-quality early childhood education programs. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop an online system that provides real-time information about available licensed learning programs, including filters for location, hours, quality ratings, tuition, language, and eligibility. All licensed Pre-K providers, including state-funded, private, and nonprofit programs, must participate by updating their availability weekly and sharing detailed program information. The platform will include an eligibility screener for state and federal Pre-K programs like Head Start, enable direct applications and waitlist management, and ensure accessibility for non-English speaking families and those with disabilities. The system will also integrate with childcare subsidy systems to streamline enrollment. The department is required to conduct outreach to ensure families, especially those in underserved communities, know about and can use the finder. The platform must be fully operational within 12 months of enactment, and the department will provide annual reports on usage, enrollment trends, and provider participation. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Education

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