The bill amends the Rhode Island Prekindergarten Education Act, specifically Section 16-87-3, to maintain a high-quality prekindergarten program that serves children ages three and four, rather than beginning planning for an initial pilot program. The bill removes language related to the planning phase for expanding the pilot program and strengthening care for infants and toddlers. It also requires the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to annually quantify resources needed for high-quality prekindergarten standards, identify workforce development incentives, and collect data on the program's impact on school readiness and achievement. Additionally, the bill introduces a lottery system for enrollment in the state prekindergarten program.

The bill further adds new sections to Chapter 16-87, detailing the definitions, eligibility, and operation of the prekindergarten lottery. It defines terms such as "economically disadvantaged students" and "siblings," and sets eligibility criteria for the lottery. The lottery will consider a family's preferred program, sibling enrollment, and the economic demographics of the municipality. The bill also allows prekindergarten programs to accept students from outside the municipality if certain conditions are met, without affecting state or local education aid. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with promulgating rules for the lottery operation. The act is effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
978  SUB A: 16-87-3