S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: Section 9C.1.(a) of this act describes eligibility requirements for the NC Pre-K program to be established by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The income eligibility requirements for the program cannot exceed 75% of the State median income. Up to 20% of children enrolled can have family incomes in excess of 75% of median income if those children have other designated risk factors. Any child who is 4 years of age on or before August 31 of the program year and is the child of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States or a member of the Armed Forces of the United States is eligible for the NC Pre-K program.

Section 9C.1.(b) of the act directs DCDEE to require NC Pre-K contractors to issue multiyear contracts for licensed private child care centers providing NC Pre-K classrooms. Section 9C.1.(c) of the act requires private child care facilities and public schools operating NC Pre-K classrooms to meet the building standards for preschool students in G.S. 115C-521.1. Section 9C.1.(d) of the act requires entities operating NC Pre-K classrooms to adhere to programmatic standards and classroom requirements prescribed by DCDEE, except as noted in Section 9C.1.(c) of the act. Section 9C.1.(e) of the act instructs the local NC Pre-K committees to use the standard decision-making process developed by DCDEE in awarding NC Pre-K classroom slots and student selection.

Section 9C.1.(f) of the act requires the DCDEE to submit an annual report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, the Office of State Budget and Management, and the Fiscal Research Division no later than March 15 of each year. The report must include specified data, including the number of children participating in the NC Pre-K program and expected NC Pre-K expenditures for the programs.

Section 9C.1.(g) of the act states the administration of the NC Pre-K program by local partnerships is subject to financial and compliance audits.

This section became effective July 1, 2021.