Bill > A08073

This bill amends New York's education law to prioritize and support homeless children's access to prekindergarten (pre-K) programs. Specifically, school districts implementing pre-K programs must now promote the inclusion of homeless children, as defined in existing law. If a pre-K class has reached its maximum capacity, the school district where a homeless child is temporarily housed (in a motel, hotel, shelter, or other temporary housing) must prioritize that child's placement on the program's waitlist. Furthermore, if accommodating a homeless child requires hiring additional staff to maintain appropriate class sizes, the school district will be reimbursed by the state department of education for the direct cost of hiring such staff, as long as these costs are not already covered by other federal programs. The reimbursement will be calculated according to regulations set by the commissioner of education. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for developing necessary implementation rules and regulations.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8073