SB99 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Quinton Ross

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Education, universal preschool program, established, eligibility requirements, Education Department to implement, funding from Education Trust Fund

Summary

SB99 would create a universal four-year-old preschool program in Alabama, funded through the Education Trust Fund and managed by the State Department of Education.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a statewide preschool program for four-year-olds and directs the Department of Education to set rules for implementation. Local school districts approved to participate may enroll eligible children and receive state funding, with funds kept separate from other district funds and required to supplement, not supplant, existing money. The program requires high-quality standards, licensed teachers with relevant degrees, and collaboration with community providers to address children's health, care, and family-support needs. If funds are not enough, districts are prioritized based on lack of existing preschool, high poverty, district size for equity, and strong community partnerships, with a phased funding approach in the initial year.

Who It Affects

• Four-year-old Alabama residents: eligible to enroll if they are four by September 15 and space/funding is available.
• School districts approved to participate: may enroll eligible children and must follow program rules, with preschool funds kept separate in the district budget.
• Preschool teachers: must be licensed/certificated and hold a bachelor's or higher in early childhood education (or department-approved major).
• Families and community providers (e.g., Head Start, licensed child care centers): encouraged to collaborate with the program and receive family support and related services.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a statewide universal preschool program for four-year-old children.
• Department of Education may promulgate rules to implement the program and define local program requirements.
• Eligibility: Alabama residents who are four by September 1 (or by September 15 in some cases) may enroll if space and funding are available; younger/older children may enroll if space allows but not counted for state funding.
• Funding: provided to school districts from the Education Trust Fund; funds must supplement, not supplant, other district funds; funds must be tracked in a separate budget line; not used for building facilities.
• Teacher qualifications: teachers must be employed by or contracted with the district, licensed/certificated, and hold a bachelor's or graduate degree in early childhood education or other department-approved major.
• Program requirements: include teacher-to-child ratios, compliance with standards, learning standards, integration with other programs, collaboration with families and community partners, and at least 10 hours of weekly instruction; must ensure participation of children in various care arrangements with minimal disruption.
• Local district responsibilities: demonstrate community readiness, participate in data collection and performance measurement, and include career development for preschool teachers.
• Enrollment and funding administration: the department will implement an application/selection process, track student progress, monitor program quality, and manage initial phased funding in the first year.
• Funding priority when demand exceeds funds: districts with no existing preschool, high poverty, appropriate district size for equity, and strong community partnerships are prioritized.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education