Bill > H7165

This bill establishes the Office of Early Learning within the Office of Independent Education & Parental Choice to oversee the state's school readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK), which are programs designed to prepare young children for kindergarten. It revises existing rules for the VPK program and creates new provisions for the school readiness program, outlining the responsibilities of the new office and early learning coalitions (local organizations that administer these programs), as well as requirements for program participation, eligibility, provider standards, and funding. The bill also modifies the organizational structure within the Department of Education (DOE) and repeals current laws related to the school readiness program, consolidating oversight and administration under the new Office of Early Learning.