This bill amends the annual appropriations act for Fiscal Year 2026, specifically regarding the allocation of Preschool Education Aid. It stipulates that the aid will be distributed based on projected full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollments for the 2025-2026 school year, adjusted by subtracting 25 percent of unspent carryover funds from the previous fiscal year. Additionally, it requires first-time recipients of Preschool Education Aid to demonstrate efforts in establishing partnerships with licensed child care providers and Head Start programs to meet preschool program requirements. The bill also allows school districts with unspent funds from prior years to utilize those funds for purposes outlined in related legislation.

Furthermore, the bill allocates up to $10 million for preschool expansion grants, which will be administered by the Commissioner of Education. These grants aim to enhance access to full-day preschool for three- and four-year-olds and support workforce preparation and training related to preschool expansion. The bill permits districts receiving grants to contract with licensed child care providers for preschool services and mandates the maintenance of updated lists of eligible districts and providers on the relevant departments' websites. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval.