H97 - 2015 Appropriations Act, Sec. 12B.1: NC Pre-K Programs/Standards for Four- and Five-Star Rated Facilities (SL 2015-241)

Overview: Sec. 12B.1 of S.L. 2015-241 directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to continue implementation of the NC Pre-K program to serve four year olds. The Division must establish income eligibility requirements not exceeding 75% of the State median income. Other eligibility requirements for participation include:

• Up to 20% of children enrolled in NC Pre-K may have family incomes above 75% of the State median income if those children have certain risk factors.
• Children of a military parent ordered to active duty within the last 18 months or will be on active duty within the following 18 months.
• Children of a parent in the United States Armed Forces or North Carolina National Guard (or reserves) injured or killed while on active duty.
• Children with developmental disabilities or chronic health issues, other health issues cannot be a factor in determining eligibility.

Eligibility determinations must be made through local education agencies and the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. partnerships for participation in NC Pre-K. NC Pre-K committees must use the standard decision-making process developed by DCDEE to award classroom slots in the student selection process.

DCDEE must require the NC Pre-K contractor to issue a multi-year contract for licensed private childcare centers providing NC Pre-K classrooms. All NC Pre-K providers must follow standards and requirements prescribed by DCDEE. An annual report must be submitted no later than March 15 to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, the Office of State Budget and Management, and the Fiscal Research Division.

This section became effective July 1, 2015.