The bill amends the Rhode Island Prekindergarten Education Act by introducing a new section, 16-87-8, which establishes a statewide prekindergarten seat finder. This platform aims to assist families in locating high-quality early childhood education programs for children aged three and four. The seat finder will provide real-time availability, eligibility screening, and application support for families seeking licensed early learning providers. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with developing and maintaining this digital platform, which will include features such as a searchable directory of providers, an eligibility screener for state and federally funded programs, and direct application capabilities for families.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all licensed Pre-K providers participate in the finder platform and regularly update their availability and program details. The state will integrate the finder with the subsidy eligibility system to streamline enrollment for families utilizing childcare assistance or Pre-K grants. The Department will also conduct outreach campaigns to ensure that families, especially those in underserved communities, are aware of the platform. The prekindergarten seat finder is expected to be fully operational within twelve months of the bill's enactment, with annual reports on its usage and provider participation required from the Department.