A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the enrollment of eligible children in the statewide preschool program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jerome Amos and 15 co-sponsors

Prioritize homeless-eligible children on preschool waitlists using the federal definition of “homeless individual”.

Introduced, referred to Education.

#children #preschools #statewidepreschoolprogram #students

HF 275: Summary

Overview

HF 275 would modify the enrollment provisions of the statewide preschool program to ensure that, if there is a waiting list for eligible children to enroll in a local program, priority on that waiting list goes to eligible children who meet the federal definitional requirements of a “homeless individual.”

What the bill does

Amends Section 256C.3, subsection 3, by adding a new paragraph (i).

The new paragraph requires local programs to prioritize eligible homeless children on waiting lists for enrollment, consistent with the definitional standards of “homeless individual” under 42 U.S.C. § 11302(a) and (c), and aligned with the requirements in paragraph a.

The bill retains existing rules governing when a local program is considered an approved local program under the statewide preschool program, including teacher-to-child ratios, learning standards, and integration of children from other state and federally funded programs. The added provision specifically targets waitlist management.

Key provisions and details

Targeted provision: Priority on waiting lists for homeless-eligible children.

Federal reference: Uses the federal definition of “homeless individual” from 42 U.S.C. § 11302(a) and (c).

Consistency requirement: The priority must be consistent with the framework established in paragraph a of 256C.3.

Who is affected

Local preschool programs administered by school districts participating in the statewide preschool program.

Families with eligible children who meet the homeless definition under federal law, particularly those on waiting lists.

Local program administrators and school districts tasked with enrollment procedures and waitlist management.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and referred to Education.

Introduced Date: February 10, 2025.

No specific implementation date or funding provisions are listed in the introduced text; future steps depend on committee action and potential floor passage.

Context and considerations

Aligns state preschool enrollment with a federal homeless-eligibility standard, potentially supporting greater access for homeless children.

Questions for implementation may include how homeless status is verified, how it interacts with other priority criteria, and how this affects overall wait times and capacity planning.

Sponsors (primary)

Wilburn, Ehlert, B. Meyer, Scheetz, James, Croken, R. Johnson, Levin, Brown-Powers, Wilson, Olson, Kressig, Kurth, Cooling, Amos Jr., Wichtendaahl.