This bill mandates that school districts receiving preschool expansion grants must collaborate with licensed child care providers and Head Start programs to offer free preschool education services. The requirement applies to districts in the first full school year following the bill's enactment and in subsequent years. Additionally, it restricts these districts from using state funds to operate more than two preschool classrooms within a school building, necessitating that any additional preschool services be provided through community partnerships. The bill also outlines a competitive contracting process for these partnerships and requires districts to publicly disclose the proposals received and their decisions regarding partnerships.

Furthermore, the bill allows districts to apply for a waiver of the classroom capacity restriction if they can demonstrate a lack of available licensed providers and Head Start programs. The Department of Education is tasked with providing technical assistance and establishing a grant program to support these providers in meeting high-quality preschool standards. The intent of the bill is to enhance early childhood education access while preserving community-based childcare services, thereby ensuring a mixed delivery system that supports parental choice and equitable access to quality preschool education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7E-3, 18A:7F-54.1, 18A:44-11