School Readiness Program

Training requirements for providers were expanded to require instructional staff to complete training on early identification of social and communication delays, and instructors assigned to children with special needs must complete 10 hours of inclusive education training within 90 days of enrollment or hiring.

Ongoing training requirements were added, requiring providers to maintain program composite scores and instructors to complete 2 hours of relevant training annually after the initial eligibility determination.

The effective date of the act was changed from July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2025, accelerating when the new training requirements and funding eligibility rules take effect.

Eligibility for special needs differential funding was modified to require compliance with the new training requirements beginning July 1, 2027, rather than the previously stated July 1, 2025 effective date.