HF2493: Preschool Program Eligibility

Expands the definition of 'young children' eligible for the statewide preschool program to include five-year-olds, not just four-year-olds. It alters funding and enrollment criteria to ensure only newly eligible students are counted for state funding, and clarifies which children are subject to compulsory attendance. The bill also updates language throughout related statutes to reflect these changes and aligns eligibility and funding rules for students served by other state or federal preschool programs. Effective 7/1/2026 (but not implemented until 2027-2028 school year).

Key Points & Impacts

• Expands eligibility for the statewide preschool program to include children who are four years old on or before September 15 and children who turn five between March 15 and September 15 of the school year.

• Specifies that a child previously counted for state funding in the preschool program cannot be counted again for funding purposes if re-enrolled.

• Allows, if space and alternative funding are available, for enrollment of children outside the new age eligibility parameters, but excludes them from state funding.

• Updates compulsory attendance laws so that eligible four- and five-year-olds enrolled in the preschool program are considered of compulsory attendance age, unless a parent opts out in writing.

• Amends references throughout relevant statutes to use the broader term "young children" instead of "four-year-old children."

• Clarifies that children already served by other state or federally funded preschool programs (for four- or five-year-olds) cannot be counted for funding in the statewide program.

• Requires appropriate chapter 28E agreements for school districts to serve both four- and eligible five-year-olds through contracts with community-based providers.

• Applicability provision sets the new rules to take effect starting with the 2027-2028 school budget year.