AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE RHODE ISLAND PREKINDERGARTEN EDUCATION ACT

HB 5199, the Rhode Island Prekindergarten Education Act, seeks to expand and improve access to high-quality prekindergarten programs for three and four-year-olds throughout the state. It directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to establish quality standards for these programs, which will operate through a mixed network including Head Start, public schools, and licensed child care providers. The bill also requires competitive wages and benefits for prekindergarten and Head Start teachers and establishes a working group to address workforce development in early childhood education. Beginning July 1, 2025, 30% of new pre-kindergarten expansion funds will be set aside to support early learning programs for infants and toddlers.