This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance early childhood education programs by allowing the use of funds from the Lottery Education Fund, the State Lottery Fund, and the Excess Lottery Fund for these programs. Specifically, it introduces new language stating that these funds may be utilized for early childhood education in the state, thereby expanding the financial resources available for such initiatives. The bill also reaffirms the existing requirements for early childhood education programs, including the age eligibility criteria and instructional time, while emphasizing the importance of quality education for improving school readiness and overall student performance.

In addition to the financial provisions, the bill outlines the responsibilities of county boards in developing and implementing early childhood education programs. It mandates that each county board submit a detailed plan for approval, which includes demographic analyses, facility and personnel needs, and potential funding sources. The plan must be reapproved every two years, ensuring ongoing compliance and adaptation to the needs of the community. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen early childhood education in West Virginia by providing additional funding avenues and establishing a structured implementation framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-44