Education (Early Childhood)

HB 671 establishes a statewide kindergarten literacy readiness program for children aged 4-5 who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. The program uses evidence-based educational technology (delivered via home or center-based settings) to develop early reading, math, and science skills, with mandatory family engagement. It requires the New Hampshire Department of Education to provide the program (subject to funding) and the Department of Health and Human Services to notify eligible families participating in FANF or WIC programs about the initiative. The bill mandates annual reports tracking participation, equipment access, program usage, and comparisons of kindergarten readiness outcomes between participants and non-participants.

HB 1195 requires New Hampshire municipalities to allow child care centers (such as group centers, preschools, and school-age programs) to operate on commercially zoned land without special permits, provided they meet state licensing standards set by the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill defines "child care center" to exclude family day care homes (run from residences) and specifies that municipalities cannot impose additional zoning rules beyond state requirements. It also exempts centers from certain building restrictions when converting existing structures (without altering size) and permits local restrictions in industrial zones if child care conflicts with existing uses. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.