This bill amends the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations act to revise provisions related to Preschool Education Aid. It establishes that the allocation of funds will be based on projected full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollments for the 2025-2026 school year, adjusted by a percentage of unspent carryover funds from the previous fiscal year. Additionally, it requires school districts receiving Preschool Education Aid for the first time to demonstrate partnerships with licensed child care providers and Head Start programs to meet preschool program requirements. The bill also allows districts with unspent funds to utilize them for purposes outlined in pending legislation, rather than solely for transportation costs.

Furthermore, the bill allocates up to $10 million for preschool expansion grants, which will be distributed by the Commissioner of Education to support free access to full-day preschool for three- and four-year-olds. It emphasizes the importance of a mixed-delivery model for preschool education and allows districts to contract with licensed child care providers for preschool services. The Departments of Education, Children and Families, and Human Services are tasked with maintaining updated lists of eligible districts and providers on their websites, ensuring transparency and accessibility for communities.