Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands preschool access, supports child care partnerships, and improves early education programs in Iowa.

Highlights:

• Expands the definition of “approved local program” to include community-based provider programs for the purpose of certain provisions relating to preschool programs (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes community-based providers to use preschool foundation aid funding for purposes including but not limited to the following (Sec. 11):

• Professional development for preschool teachers;

• Instructional equipment and supplies;

• Material and equipment designed to develop pupils’ large and small motor skills;

• Translation services;

• Playground equipment and repair costs;

• Food and beverages used by children in the program;

• Safety equipment;

• Facility rental fees; and

• Other direct costs that enhance the program.

• Authorizes community-based providers to use state preschool funding for the costs of transportation of children in the preschool program (Sec. 11).

• Specifies that the amount of preschool foundation aid payable to a community-based provider in its first year of operating an approved preschool program is equal to the regular program state cost per pupil multiplied by 50% of the community-based provider’s eligible student enrollment (Sec. 14).

• Specifies that preschool foundation aid paid to community-based providers shall be paid in monthly installments (Sec. 15).

• Repeals requirements for the collaboration between certain departments and councils in the development of standards and materials for at-risk child programs (Sec. 17-18).

• Requires the Department of Education to promote the provision of child development services to at-risk three and four-year-old children (Sec. 20).

• Amends requirements for the provision of child development services to at-risk three and four-year-old children to shift the administrative duties from the Child Development Coordinating Council to the Department of Education (Sec. 20).

• Limits the age-range of certain qualifying grants for at-risk children to three and four-year-olds (Sec. 30).

• Establishes a child care continuum partnership grants pilot program with an account that the Department of Education may credit up to $11,000,000 to annually (Sec. 44).

• Specifies that the child care continuum partnership grants will be competitive grants awarded to partnerships between providers of statewide voluntary preschool programming and licensed child care centers for full-day early childhood education and care (Sec. 44).

• Specifies that the subsection establishing the child care continuum partnership grants pilot program is repealed July 1, 2029 (Sec. 44).

Full Bill Text