House File 2493 amends various sections of the Iowa Code to update the eligibility criteria and definitions related to the statewide preschool program. The bill replaces references to "four-year-old" children with "young" children, thereby expanding the program's scope to include both four and five-year-olds. Specifically, it defines "young children" as those who are either four years old or who turn five on specified dates within the school year. The bill also clarifies that children who meet these age requirements and are enrolled in the preschool program will be considered of compulsory attendance age, with specific provisions for state funding eligibility.

Additionally, the bill allows school districts to enroll younger or older children if space and funding permit, although these children will not be counted for state funding purposes. It also stipulates that children already counted for funding in a prior year will not be counted again. The changes aim to enhance access to quality preschool education and ensure that all eligible children are prepared for school. The provisions of this act will apply to school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256C.1, 256C.3, 256C.4, 298A.2, 299.1A
Enrolled: 256C.1, 256C.3, 256C.4, 298A.2, 299.1A