SB 242 PRESCHOOL LITERACY PROGRAM ACT

Sen Siah Correa Hemphill

Actions: [4] SCC/SEC/SFC-SCC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Bill 242 enacts the Preschool Literacy Program Act. SB 242 creates the Preschool Literacy Program and establishing program requirements, eligibility and provides definitions. SB 242 requires reports. 

 Senate Bill 242 enacts the Preschool Literacy Program Act (Act)  and supporting requirements.
SECTION 1 enacts the Act. 

SECTION 2 provides definitions as used in the Act.

SECTION 3 creates the Preschool Literacy Program (Program).
A. The division shall establish a Program that shall provide access to age-appropriate books to children statewide to increase the language and literacy skills of children entering kindergarten. 

B. The division shall contract with program partners to implement the Program. 

C. When the division has contracted with a Program partner for a community or region, any child under the age of five within that community or region shall be eligible to participate in the Program upon enrollment by the child's parent or guardian. As a participant in the program, the child shall have a new age-appropriate book each month mailed to the child's address. 

D. As a prerequisite of entering into a contract with the division, a Program partner shall
meet the criteria specified in this subsection.

E. Payments to a Program partner shall be made on a monthly basis upon receipt of vouchers from the chief executive officer or chief financial officer.. 

F. On or before July 1, 2025, and on or before July 1 of each subsequent year, the division shall consult with Program partners and conduct a survey through a randomized mailing to two percent of the parents or guardians of program participants in each participating community or region regarding satisfaction with the program. On or before December 1, 2025, and on or before December 1 of each subsequent year, the division shall provide a report to the Legislative Education Study Committee summarizing the results and providing the division's recommendations for changes to the program. 

SECTION 4 makes this effective July 1, 2024.