This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to the approval and eligibility of four-year-old educational programs. It allows any person or school district seeking to operate a four-year-old program to request approval from the department for a two-year period. The bill specifies that programs must be taught by individuals licensed or approved in early childhood education and must comply with various health and safety requirements. Notably, it introduces flexibility in enrollment age, permitting children who turn four before December 1 to enroll if the school district determines it is appropriate based on developmental factors.

Additionally, the bill outlines eligibility criteria for the "best in class" program, which includes approved four-year-old programs and federally funded head start programs. It stipulates that these programs must operate for children who have reached four years of age before August 1, with the same exception for children turning four by December 1 as mentioned earlier. The bill also emphasizes the importance of family engagement, program duration, and compliance with quality standards. Furthermore, it grants the department authority to distribute and recapture funds based on compliance with the established requirements for the best in class program.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 50-11.1-21
Adopted by the House Education Committee: 50-11.1-21
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 50-11.1-21
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 50-11.1-21
Adopted by the Senate Education Committee: 50-11.1-21, 50-11.1-23
25.1192.04002 : 50-11.1-21, 50-11.1-23
Enrollment: 50-11.1-21, 50-11.1-23