The bill amends the Revised Code to update the age requirements for kindergarten admission in community schools, specifying that admission is generally open to individuals aged five to twenty-two. It allows for the admission of children younger than five under certain conditions, particularly for those in Montessori programs or licensed preschools, but clarifies that these younger students will not receive state funding. The bill also removes previous language that permitted the admission of younger individuals under specific circumstances, thereby streamlining the admission process.

Additionally, the bill establishes new reporting requirements for community schools regarding student enrollment, especially for those receiving special education services. It mandates that schools report various statistics related to student enrollment and emphasizes that community schools cannot charge tuition for Ohio residents but may do so for non-residents. The bill introduces provisions for ensuring that students enrolled in internet- or computer-based community schools have the necessary operational hardware and software, and it outlines consequences for schools that fail to comply with material delivery regulations. Furthermore, it modifies the age requirements for kindergarten admission, allowing students who are five or six years old by the first day of instruction to be admitted, and includes provisions for calculating additional state aid for preschool children with disabilities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.06, 3314.08, 3317.0213, 3321.01