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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to SB2/SFCS

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of SFl Substitute

This bill creates a new section of the public school code to provide an optional preschool and family support program to ensure that children receive the support they need both at home and at school so that, when they enter first grade they are prepared to learn. This bill also amends the Public School Finance Act to provide additional program units for early childhood education.

Significant Issues

School districts must follow a program approval process and address specific program elements for students that serve children from age three through kindergarten most in need based upon-age appropriate assessments, address cultural diversity and provide family support education.

An approved preschool and early family support, in additional to programs already offered by school districts may consist of one or more of the following: pre-kindergarten half-day programs (2.5) hours per day); and full-day kindergarten (5 hours per day).

Approved preschool and literacy programs shall demonstrate the following components: age-appropriate developmental activities; research-based literacy materials appropriate to the age of the students; effective instructional teacher techniques that incorporate the most recent research early childhood development; training for teachers and parents; and annual pre- and post-program assessments for students that clearly reveal student outcomes.

The State Board of Education is authorized to prescribe courses of instruction for preschool and family support programs.

Student and family participation in preschool and early literacy programs shall be voluntary on the part of the parents or guardians.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Effective from July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2001, the number of optional preschool and family support program units is determined by multiplying the number of children in programs for three-and four-year-old developmentally disabled students and the number of children in kindergarten through grade three by the district's at risk index multiplied by 0.865.

Effective from July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, the number of optional preschool and family support program units is determined by multiplying the membership of approved preschool and family support programs by the district's at risk index.

The provisions of this bill are repealed effective July 1, 2002.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

SDE indicates that by July 1, 1999 SDE will develop guidelines for the approval and application process, disseminate the guidelines, and provide technical assistance in developing proposals.

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