Bill > SB165

This bill aims to expand preschool education programs in Kentucky by defining "eligible child" as a four-year-old by August 1st or a three or four-year-old with a disability, and "teaming partner" as a non-governmental entity contracting to provide preschool services. It mandates that by the 2034-2035 school year, all local school districts must provide preschool to every eligible child, and until then, specifically to four-year-olds from households at or below 160% of the federal poverty level. The bill also requires program guidelines for all providers, including enrollment criteria, class sizes, personnel standards, curriculum alignment with state standards, and kindergarten readiness goals. The Kentucky Department of Education will establish a statewide data system to collect and report enrollment, quality, workforce, and student success data annually. Local school districts must also ensure Head Start programs are fully utilized and will be penalized if they fail to do so, with the Commissioner of Education resolving disputes. Districts must submit preschool expansion plans by March 1, 2028, outlining their expansion strategies, and the Department of Education will create administrative regulations for plan submission, contracting with teaming partners, and fund distribution by December 1, 2027. Finally, the Department of Education will report annually to the Legislative Research Commission on preschool expansion progress and recommendations, reflecting the General Assembly's intent to expand access to all four-year-olds in a phased and responsible manner.

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/sb165.html