Signed by Governor Mike Pence

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a preschool scholarship system for certain individuals.

Highlights:

• Establishes the “Early Education Scholarship Pilot Program” in no more than 5 Indiana counties as selected by the Division of Family Resources beginning June 30, 2015 (Sec. 9).

• Requires the Division to administer funds to an “eligible provider” that provides “eligible services” to an individual who meets certain requirements including, but not limited to, the following requirements (Sec. 9):
• The individual is at least 4 years old but less than 5 years old on August 1;
• The individual is a member of a household with an annual income that does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty line;
• The individual receives at least 180 days of services per year or the equivalent number of hours as determined by the Division;
• The parent or guardian of the individual participates in a parental engagement and involvement component provided by the provider;
• The parent or guardian of the individual agrees to enroll the individual in kindergarten after the completion of the early education program; and
• The parent or guardian of the individual agrees to ensure the individual will meet the attendance rate as determined by the Child Care Advisory Committee.

• Defines “eligible provider” as an individual who provides eligible services in a county which the program is implemented and administers the kindergarten readiness assessment adopted by the Indiana Department of Education (Sec. 9).

• Defines “eligible services” as a program that includes a parental engagement and involvement component based on the guidelines established by the Department and meets any of the following standards or accreditations (Sec. 9):
• The program meets the standards of quality recognized by a Level 3 or Level 4 rating by “Paths to QUAILITY” program;
• The program is nationally accredited by an organization recognized by the Division or the State Board of Education;
• The program is provided by a school that is accredited by the State Board of Education; or
• The program is provided by an eligible or participating school in the Choice Scholarship Program before July 1, 2015.

• Prohibits an eligible provider from participating in the Early Education Scholarship Pilot Program if for 2 consecutive years the percentage of individuals who attend the provider and pass the kindergarten readiness assessment is less than the passage rate determined by this bill (Sec. 9).

• Authorizes the Division to award the following maximum amounts to an eligible provider for services to an eligible individual (Sec.9):
• $6,800 for an individual who attends a full-day program; or
• $3,400 for an individual who attends a half-day program. 

• Prohibits the Division from awarding a total amount of scholarships that exceeds the amount appropriated for scholarships by the general assembly (Sec. 9). 

Full Bill Text