House Bill No. 2395 aims to expand early childhood education programs in Oklahoma by allowing school districts to offer these programs to children as young as three years old. The bill amends existing laws to change the age requirement for participation in early childhood education programs from four years to three years, while still allowing children up to five years of age to enroll. The State Board of Education is tasked with establishing standards for these programs, which must include certified teachers and developmentally appropriate objectives. Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for school districts to collaborate with private or public providers to deliver these programs.
The bill also modifies the eligibility criteria for early childhood education programs, ensuring that children aged three to five who have not attended public school kindergarten can access half-day or full-day programs. It specifies that children must be accommodated based on the district's capacity and allows for transfers to districts that offer such programs. The legislation includes provisions for the State Board of Education to create rules regarding exemptions for maximum age limits in early childhood programs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.