Signed by Governor Chet Culver

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that creates an optional preschool program for four-year-olds.

Highlights:

- Requires the program prioritize students who turn four years old prior to September 15 [sec. 3(1)]. - Establishes qualifications for preschool teachers including employment by the local school district, proper licensing, and a bachelor's degree (or higher) with a major in early childhood education or related field [sec. 3(2)]. - Requires a minimum of 10 hours per week of instruction [sec.3(3[f])]. - Requires the department of education shall monitor the implementation of the programs and the progress of students through high school [sec. 3(5[b])]. - Appropriates $46.16 million to the preschool foundation for 2008-2011, and gives priority to school districts without existing preschools or districts with children in poverty [sec. 6].

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that creates an optional preschool program for four-year-olds.

Highlights:

-Requires children to turn four by September 15 to be eligible for the program unless there is additional student space (sec.3.1). -Establishes qualifications for preschool teachers including employment by the local school district, proper licensing, and a bachelor's degree (or higher) with a major in early childhood education or related field (sec.3.2.a). -Requires the state board of education to adopt rules regarding the preschool program which may include teacher to child ratios, class size, learning standards, integration of children from other preschools, and parental involvement (sec.3.3). -Requires the department of education shall monitor the implementation of the programs and the progress of students through high school (sec3.5.a.b.c). -Appropriates $46.16 million to the preschool foundation for 2008-2011, and gives priority to school districts without existing preschools or districts with children in poverty [sec. 6].

Full Bill Text