This bill amends the Rhode Island Prekindergarten Education Act to make several changes to the prekindergarten program. It requires the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to maintain a prekindergarten program that meets high quality standards and serves children ages three and four. The department is also required to quantify the resources needed for the program and develop plans to collect and analyze data on the program's impact. The bill also establishes a lottery system for enrollment in the prekindergarten program, with preferences given to economically disadvantaged students and siblings of current students. Additionally, the bill allows prekindergarten programs to accept students from outside the municipality under certain conditions. This bill would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
978  SUB A: 16-87-3