The bill amends Section 16-7.2-6 of the General Laws under "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act" to specify that pre-kindergarten programs for three (3) and four (4) year-old children, including the state pre-kindergarten program model developed pursuant to chapter 87 of this title and the federal Head Start Program, are to be included in programs aimed at increasing access to voluntary, free, high-quality pre-kindergarten education. The bill mandates that the Department of Education work with the Department of Human Services, specifically the childcare office and Head Start collaboration office, to recommend criteria for the allocation of early childhood categorical program funds as determined by the General Assembly. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7680: 16-7.2-6