Bill > HF2493

This bill modifies Iowa's statewide preschool program by expanding eligibility to include certain five-year-old children and redefining "young children" to encompass both four and five-year-olds who meet specific age criteria, aligning with a compulsory attendance age for those enrolled. It also clarifies that children enrolled in the preschool program under these expanded eligibility rules will not be counted for state funding if they were already counted in a prior school year, and allows for the enrollment of younger or older children who don't meet the primary eligibility criteria, provided they are not counted for state funding. The bill also permits school districts to enter into agreements with community-based providers for services to eligible five-year-old children, and ensures that enrollment counts for state funding purposes will now consider children who meet the updated age requirements for preschool, while excluding those already receiving state or federal funds for similar preschool programming. These changes are set to take effect for school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2027.