The bill seeks to amend the "Rhode Island Prekindergarten Education Act" to establish a universal prekindergarten education system for all children aged three and four. It introduces a mixed-delivery system aimed at achieving universal access when at least 70% of the target age group is enrolled in high-quality programs. The bill emphasizes the importance of competitive compensation for prekindergarten teachers and teaching assistants, requiring their median wages to be at least equal to those of public kindergarten staff with comparable qualifications. It also mandates the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Human Services to collaborate on an annual report and growth plan to reach universal access, focusing on investment targets, workforce qualifications, and facility capacity.
Further, the bill enhances the educational framework by setting differentiated quality standards for various prekindergarten settings, including adherence to federal Head Start Performance Standards. It underscores the need for a smooth transition from prekindergarten to kindergarten and requires local education agencies to develop transition strategies. The bill also addresses facility requirements by setting a deadline for a report on capital funds for renovations or expansions. It repeals sections of the General Laws related to the initial pilot program and updates provisions for early childhood workforce development, including sustaining the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood program and forming a working group to identify workforce entry barriers. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.
Statutes affected: 7497: 16-87-4