HF 4125

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to early childhood education; establishing an early childhood program
for at-risk four-year-olds; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.19,
by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.19, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

new text begin Early childhood program for at-risk four-year-olds. new text end

new text begin (a) A school
board may offer, as part of a community education program, an early childhood program
for at-risk four-year-olds who are at least four years of age by September 1 of the program
year, not yet enrolled in kindergarten, and are:
new text end

new text begin (1) English language learners;
new text end

new text begin (2) eligible for the federal free and reduced price lunch program; or
new text end

new text begin (3) identified with delays through early childhood screening, but do not qualify for
early childhood special education services.
new text end

new text begin (b) A school board must employ necessary licensed teachers for its early childhood
program for at-risk four-year-olds. The Board of Teaching, at its discretion, may grant an
applicant a variance under this paragraph consistent with sections 122A.09, subdivision
10, and 122A.25, and Board of Teaching rules. An emphasis must be placed on ongoing
professional development, focusing on the areas of teaching English language learners;
cultural, ethnic, and race differences; and encouraging and improving parent involvement.
new text end

new text begin (c) The child-to-adult ratio must not exceed six students to one staff person, with the
first staff person holding a teaching license. The maximum class size is 18 students. The
program must meet for no less than 840 hours per year with no more than a four-week
break in service.
new text end

new text begin (d) While all domains of the Minnesota early childhood indicators of progress must
be included in the curriculum, a particular emphasis on scientifically researched literacy
curriculum must be a component of the program.
new text end

new text begin (e) The program must include home visits by program staff and parent education in
early literacy activities.
new text end

new text begin (f) Each program must submit to the department a biennial plan describing how the
program addresses program components and assessments. The department must approve
a district's plan for this program before the district receives state aid for the program
under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (g) Eligible children must complete early childhood screening before enrolling in
the program. In addition, all domains of the Minnesota early childhood indicators of
progress must be assessed after program enrollment and again at the time of program
completion. Literacy must be assessed through either the indicators of individual growth
and development for infants and toddlers or phonological awareness literacy screening.
new text end

new text begin (h) Beginning in fiscal year 2010, a district is eligible to receive aid for at-risk
four-year-olds when an approved and current biennial plan and annual report is on file
with the department. Districts do not need to have an approved plan and annual report on
file to receive revenue under this section in fiscal year 2009. The early childhood at-risk
four-year-old aid for a district equals $9,000 per year per qualifying four-year-old. Aid is
based on 840 membership hours per year.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
new text end