Resolve, To Expand Access to Early Childhood Education to All Children 4 Years of Age and Older

Sec. 1. Expansion of access to early childhood education. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall develop a pilot program to expand access to preschool education to children 4 years of age and older. The pilot program must provide up to 2 years of preschool education to prepare children for learning in the mainstream public school system through individualized attention with a focus on cognitive skills and social development and a de-emphasis on testing. The pilot program must be in place in time for the 2008-09 school year. The department shall fund the pilot program through existing revenue sources and may solicit donations; however, municipal revenue may not be used to fund the pilot program.

Beginning in 2008, the department shall report annually by January 15th to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters regarding the implementation of and participation in the pilot program.

summary

This resolve requires the Department of Education to develop a pilot program to provide up to 2 years of preschool education to children 4 years of age and older. The objective of the pilot program is to prepare children for learning in the mainstream public school system through individualized attention with a focus on cognitive skills and social development and a de-emphasis on testing.