Bill > HB451

This bill amends the "Pre-Kindergarten Act" to increase the number and quality of pre-kindergarten programs in New Mexico, aiming to ensure children are prepared for kindergarten. Key provisions include defining "grant" as a pre-kindergarten quality improvement grant and expanding eligibility for pre-kindergarten to children who have reached their third birthday by September 1st, rather than their fourth. The bill establishes a "public pre-kindergarten quality improvement fund" to provide grants to school districts for expanding pre-kindergarten opportunities, particularly in communities with Title 1 elementary schools, and to fund professional development for early childhood specialists. It also outlines requirements for school district grant applications, including demonstrating universal admissions policies, ensuring eligible providers offer comprehensive services and professional development, and establishing "professional development councils" to oversee curriculum and training. Finally, the bill mandates an annual report to the legislature on the progress of pre-kindergarten program goals and appropriates significant funds from the general fund to support these initiatives, including teacher scholarships.