This bill revises Montana's laws concerning early childhood care and education programs, primarily by allowing preschool pupils to be included in the Average Number Belonging (ANB) calculations, which are essential for determining state funding for schools. It removes the previous restriction that prohibited the use of state equalization aid for preschool funding and increases state support for the Best Beginnings Scholarship Program, aimed at easing financial burdens on low-income families seeking quality childcare. The bill also establishes free preschool programs for children aged 3 to 5 and emphasizes collaboration between school districts and early childhood education providers to ensure access to quality preschool education.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to ANB calculations, specifying that only enrolled pupils who meet certain eligibility criteria can be counted for funding purposes. It introduces provisions for counting extracurricular activities towards ANB, allowing for partial enrollment credits based on the duration of these activities. The bill appropriates $10 million from the general fund to the Department of Public Health and Human Services to support the Best Beginnings Scholarship Program, which will expand eligibility, reduce copayments, and increase rates paid to providers. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20-1-301, 20-5-101, 20-7-117, 20-9-311, 20-9-313