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SB 2207

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 5 co-sponsors

Creates a state-funded prekindergarten with lottery-based enrollment, targeting 3-4 year olds in low-performing areas and expanding cross-municipal access.

06/05/2026 Referred to House Education
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Bill Summary · SB 2207

Summary of Bill: SB 2207 (Rhode Island) – Rhode Island Prekindergarten Education Act

Purpose and intent

SB 2207 introduces a planning phase and new enrollment mechanics for a statewide prekindergarten program in Rhode Island. The bill aims to establish a pilot high-quality prekindergarten program that builds on existing early childhood infrastructure (child care, Head Start, and public schools), serving 3- and 4-year-olds in communities with concentrations of low-performing schools. It also seeks to collect data on program impact and to create a workforce development path for early childhood educators.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Planning phase (amendment to §16-87-3)

  • The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) must begin planning an initial pilot prekindergarten program.
  • Goals of planning:
    • Develop and implement high-quality standards for the pilot.
    • Leverage existing early childhood infrastructure (child care, Head Start, public schools).
    • Target children ages 3 and 4 in communities with concentrated low-performing schools.
    • Identify opportunities to strengthen care and learning programs for infants and toddlers.
  • Annual planning duties:
    • Quantify resources needed to achieve/maintain high standards.
    • Identify incentives and supports to develop a qualified early education workforce, including pathways for experienced educators and paraprofessionals to obtain degrees and early childhood teacher certification.
    • Develop data collection plans to assess impact on school readiness and achievement.
  • Enrollment planning: RIDE shall conduct a lottery to determine enrollment in the state prekindergarten program (see §16-87-3.1).

New sections: Lottery and enrollment mechanics

§16-87-3.1. Lottery for the Rhode Island prekindergarten program

  • Definitions related to the lottery:
    • “Participating in the state prekindergarten program”: municipalities receiving state funding to create/maintain slots for 3- and 4-year-olds.
    • “Preferred program”: family-selected program choice, though families cannot choose from a list of programs in participating municipalities (i.e., preferences are limited).
    • “Siblings”: as defined (related by blood, marriage, or co-residence with parents).
    • “Students who are economically disadvantaged”: qualify for free or reduced lunch.
  • Eligibility for the lottery:
    • Resident of a participating municipality.
    • 4 years old by September 1 of the lottery year.
  • Lottery considerations:
    • Family’s preferred program (within the participating municipality’s options).
    • Siblings already enrolled in a program.
    • Economic demographics of the municipality.
  • RIDE to promulgate rules/regulations governing the lottery.

§16-87-3.2. Enrollment at Rhode Island prekindergarten programs

  • Effective July 1, 2026, programs in participating municipalities may admit non-resident students if:
    • Open slots exist.
    • The student is eligible.
    • The student is selected by the prekindergarten lottery.
  • Non-resident enrollment shall not result in a reduction of state or local education aid to the program.
  • No student shall be excluded based on residence status; out-of-district enrollment is permitted.
  • RIDE to promulgate rules/regulations governing enrollment of state-funded prekindergarten seats.

Section 3: Effective date

  • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • State: Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) will lead planning, rulemaking, and oversight.
  • Municipalities: those that participate in the state prekindergarten program and operate eligible classrooms.
  • Families: residents of participating communities with 3- to 4-year-olds; families may participate in a lottery and, in some cases, enroll non-resident siblings.
  • Early education workforce: potential pathways for professional development, college degree attainment, and teacher certification.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Planning phase initiated by enactment; ongoing annually for resource planning, program expansion, and workforce development.
  • Lottery system to be implemented for enrollment; rules to be promulgated by RIDE.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026 for enrollment provisions allowing non-resident participation (subject to subsequent rulemaking).

Overall impact

SB 2207 lays groundwork for a state-funded prekindergarten program with a lottery-based admission process, expanded cross-municipal enrollment, and a focus on high-quality standards and workforce development. It emphasizes data collection on readiness and achievement and seeks to address disparities in communities with lower-performing schools through targeted access to early education.

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

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