S257 - Appropriations Act of 2017. (SL 2017-57)

Overview: Sec. 11B.1 of S.L. 2017-57 outlines eligibility, multiyear contracts, building standards, programmatic standards, NC Pre-K Committees, reporting, and audits for NC Pre-K.

• The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) must continue implementing the NC Pre-K program and serving children who are four years of age on or before August 31 of the program year. DCDEE shall establish income eligibility not to exceed 75% of the State median income, although up to 20% of the children enrolled may have family incomes in excess of income eligibility threshold if they have other designated risk factors. Children of military personnel are eligible for participation. Eligibility determinations may continue to be made by local education agencies and local NC Partnership for Children, Inc., partnerships. DCDEE is not allowed to consider the health of a child as a factor for eligibility other than developmental disabilities or other chronic health issues.
• DCDEE must require the NC Pre-K contractor to issue multiyear contracts for licensed private child care centers providing NC Pre-K classrooms.
• Except as provided in G.S. 110-91(4), private child care facilities and public schools operating NC pre-K classrooms must meet the building standards for preschool students required in G.S. 115C-521.1 and must adhere to all of the policies prescribed by DCDEE regarding programmatic standards and classroom requirements.
• Local NC Pre-K committees must use the standard decision-making process developed by DCDEE in awarding NC Pre-K classroom slots and selecting students.
• DCDEE must report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, the Office of State Budget and Management, and the Fiscal Research Division by March 15 of each year.
• NC Pre-K program administration by local partnerships is subject to financial and compliance audits.

This section became effective July 1, 2017.