The bill introduces a new state transition to kindergarten policy designed to assist eligible four-year-old children who need additional preparation for kindergarten or lack access to early learning programs due to residing in extreme child care access deserts. It renames the existing transitional kindergarten program to the transition to kindergarten program and emphasizes collaboration between the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the department of children, youth, and families. Key provisions include establishing eligibility criteria focused on children needing extra preparation and those from low-income families, as well as mandating the adoption of rules for program administration and funding. The bill ensures that the program's implementation does not disrupt existing early learning services and clarifies that its funding will not be part of the state's basic education funding obligations.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions related to the enrollment of eligible children, particularly in charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools. It defines "eligible children" as those at least four years old by August 31st who either require additional preparation for kindergarten or lack access to early childhood education programs due to living in an "extreme child care access desert." The legislation also outlines what constitutes an "extreme child care access desert," "extreme unmet need locale," and "highly constrained supply locale," highlighting the need for targeted educational support in areas with significant unmet needs. Schools, including common schools, charter schools, and state-tribal compact schools, are authorized to enroll eligible children who are state-funded, and the act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.225.160, 43.216.085, 43.216.655
Substitute Bill: 28A.300.072