FIRST REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 629
92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATORS COLEMAN, DOUGHERTY AND KENNEDY.
Read 1st time February 26, 2003, and 1,000 copies ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
0808S.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 167, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the creation of the more for four program, with an expiration date.
Section A. Chapter 167, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 167.400, to read as follows:
167.400. 1. There is hereby established within the department of elementary and secondary education a prekindergarten pilot program to be known as the "More for Four Program". The more for four program will develop a community-based, voluntary prekindergarten initiative designed to prepare at-risk four-year old children in this state for success in school.
2. The more for four program will, subject to appropriations, provide up to twenty-five grants to participating school districts. The program will affect a maximum of one thousand five hundred children statewide in each year of the pilot program. The program will provide classroom settings within public schools, head start centers, and community-based childcare centers and preschools. Parents will be allowed to choose where to enroll their child by working with the local school district and such services located within the boundaries of such school district.
3. The department of elementary and secondary education will collaborate with other state agencies in developing standards for the program in areas of curriculum which shall include: health and physical development, social and emotional development, approaches toward learning, language development and communication, cognition and general knowledge. The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop standards for the program and criteria for sponsorship selection for the program. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2003, shall be invalid and void.
4. Priority will be given to four-year old children who are not receiving any services and who are eligible for financial assistance for services but who are not receiving any assistance. The department of elementary and secondary education shall determine other criteria as to participation among school districts and at-risk children.
5. The department of elementary and secondary education shall submit a report to the general assembly concerning the effectiveness of the more for four program by August 28, 2007.
6. The more for four program shall expire August 28, 2008.