Senate Bill No. 441 aims to enhance the regulatory framework for prekindergarten programs in Louisiana by introducing new provisions and amending existing laws. The bill requires that nonpublic prekindergarten programs receive approval from the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, ensuring compliance with child safety and welfare standards. It establishes that the minimum age for enrollment in public prekindergarten is four years, while nonpublic programs may accept children as young as three. Furthermore, parents must acknowledge that these programs are operated by schools and are not subject to federal daycare regulations.

The bill also modifies existing child safety and welfare standards, increasing child-to-staff ratios for children ages four and five through the 2026-2027 school year, removing references to children under two, and eliminating the requirement for additional staff for children with special healthcare needs. It expands the definition of "camp" to include facilities serving children as young as three, including those operated by tax-exempt religious organizations. The state Department of Education is granted the authority to adopt emergency rules for the bill's implementation, which will take effect upon the governor's signature or the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB441 Original: 17:11(B), 17:8(A), 17:33(1), 17:35(A), 17:41(A)