The bill would let the Secretary of Education award competitive grants to states to establish or expand full-day prekindergarten programs in public schools. Programs must allow parents to voluntarily enroll any 3- or 4-year-old, regardless of family income, and run at least six hours a day for the regular school year. Teachers must have qualifications similar to teachers in other grades at the school. Federal grants could cover up to 80 percent of program costs. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. It was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
If a state receives a grant, parents could voluntarily enroll eligible 3- and 4-year-olds in a qualifying program at a school where the child may attend kindergarten. The bill does not require states to apply for grants or parents to enroll their children.
The bill authorizes Congress to provide such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2026 through 2031, but it does not specify an amount. The federal share of a grant could be up to 80 percent of program costs.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.