The bill amends the Rhode Island Prekindergarten Education Act to enhance access to high-quality early childhood education for children ages three and four. It emphasizes the importance of early childhood education in developing social and cognitive skills, which are crucial for school success. The bill introduces new provisions to ensure that all children in this age group have access to publicly-funded prekindergarten programs and expands support for early care and education for infants and toddlers under three years old.

The legislation directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish guidelines for the implementation and expansion of public, high-quality prekindergarten education programs, with the goal of enrolling at least 70% of children ages three and four in these programs. It authorizes the department to promulgate rules and regulations for high-quality prekindergarten, which will include research-based quality standards that meet or exceed the recommended standards outlined by the National Institute for Early Education Research and/or the federal Head Start Performance Standards.

Quality standards will encompass various aspects, including teacher education and certification, class size and staff ratios, learning time, developmentally appropriate learning standards, curriculum prioritizing play-based learning, support for students with special needs, support for English language learners, professional development, child assessments, and coaching to improve practice. The bill also mandates that funds allocated for prekindergarten and Head Start programs ensure competitive wages and benefits for educators.

Additionally, beginning July 1, 2025, any new state general revenue funding for the expansion of the Rhode Island prekindergarten program will include a 30% set-aside to be administered by the Department of Human Services to sustain and expand access to high-quality child care and early learning programs for infants and toddlers, including Early Head Start.