The bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code regarding the approval and eligibility of four-year-old 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 will turn four by December 1 to enroll if the school district determines it is appropriate based on developmental factors. Additionally, the application process includes a nonrefundable fee of fifty dollars.

Furthermore, 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 maintains the requirement for programs to serve children who are four years old by August 1, with the new provision allowing exceptions as stated in the previous section. The bill also emphasizes the importance of family engagement, program duration, and compliance with quality standards. The department is granted the authority to distribute funds to approved applicants and recapture funds from programs that fail to meet compliance requirements.

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