This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.19, subdivision 11, to authorize school-age care programs to extend their services to certain eligible prekindergarten students. The new legal language specifies that "eligible children" includes those not yet enrolled in kindergarten who are classified as children with disabilities, those facing temporary family-related issues, or those already enrolled in kindergarten through grade 6. Additionally, the bill allows school boards to offer school-age care programs as part of community education or permit insured community groups to utilize school facilities for this purpose.

The bill outlines the requirements for school-age care programs, which must include adult supervision, parental involvement, partnerships with educational entities, opportunities for secondary students to engage in community service, and access to school facilities. It also allows districts to charge a sliding fee based on family income and encourages coordination with various educational and community services. Importantly, the commissioner of education is prohibited from adopting rules for these school-age care programs, and districts are required to maintain a separate account for related funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 124D.19