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HD 2872

An Act providing for universal pre-k for 3- to 5-year-olds

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carmine Gentile and 1 co-sponsor

Publicly funded universal pre-K for 2.75–5-year-olds in public schools/charters, at least 30 hours weekly, with DESE oversight and an advisory council.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 2872

Summary: An Act Providing for Universal Pre-K for 3- to 5-Year-Olds (HD 2872)

Overview

HD 2872 proposes to establish a universal pre-kindergarten program in Massachusetts for children ages 2 years 9 months through 5 years who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. The bill emphasizes equity, inclusion, and culturally and linguistically diverse learning environments. It would expand the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) responsibilities to administer publicly funded pre-k across public schools and public charter schools.

Key Provisions

  • Purpose and equity (Section 1): Adds language to the General Laws (Chapter 15D) highlighting that universal pre-K supports diverse family cultures, languages, and beliefs and aims to foster responsive, inclusive learning environments that nurture social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and linguistic development.

  • Universal pre-K program (Section 19):

    • Eligibility and scope: Publicly funded pre-k available to any child in the geographic area served who is 2 years 9 months to 5 years old and not enrolled in or eligible for kindergarten. Programs must operate in public schools or public charter schools.
    • Hours: No fewer than 30 hours per week of pre-k learning, during weeks when the public school is in session.
    • Standards and administration: Programs must be developed according to the DESE pre-k learning standards and accompanied by rules addressing coordination with existing programs, staff qualifications and training, space and equipment needs, and transportation considerations.
    • Advisory council: Establishes a pre-k advisory council within the department to assist with implementation, professional development, evaluations, monitoring, and staffing equity and salaries.

  • Advisory Council (Section 19):

    • Purpose: Identify resources, ensure pathways for culturally and linguistically diverse staff, and set minimum/target salary requirements for pre-k teachers.
    • Composition: 11 members appointed by the governor from a list of 15 nominees provided by the department. Must include at least:
    • 3 nominees representing gateway cities
    • At least 1 from each of: public elementary school principal, public elementary school kindergarten teacher, first-grade-or-higher teacher, early education program teacher, public school district member, Head Start, preschool program, and a professor of early education at a Massachusetts public college or university.
    • Terms: Members serve 4-year terms at the governor’s pleasure.
    • Appointment timeline: Governor to appoint advisory council members within 90 days of the Act’s passage.

Governance and Timeline

  • Status: Senate concurred with House; referred to the Committee on Education (as of 2025-02-27).
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor Danillo A. Sena; co-sponsor Carmine Lawrence Gentile (and others listed in the petition).
  • Related history: Similar matter previously filed (House No. 578 in 2023-2024).

Affected Parties and Potential Impacts

  • Children and families: Expanded access to high-quality early learning, with a focus on equity and inclusion across diverse communities.
  • Schools and districts: Public schools and charter schools would host universal pre-k programs and need capacity, staffing, and facilities planning to meet the 30-hour standard.
  • Early education workforce: New salary benchmarks, professional development, and pathways to diversify staff are anticipated outcomes of the advisory council’s work.
  • Governance: DESE would lead implementation with an advisory council to guide policy, standards, and resource allocation.

Notes: The bill does not specify initial funding levels, but it establishes a framework for a publicly funded, 30-hour per week pre-k program in eligible settings.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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