AN ACT appropriating funds to eliminate the waitlist for the nc prekindergarten (nc pre‑k) program statewide.

Whereas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services submitted its annual report on the NC Prekindergarten (NC Pre‑K) program dated March 15, 2016; and

Whereas, in the annual report, the Department of Health and Human Services referenced the results of an annual evaluation of the NC Pre‑K program based on the 2014‑2015 program year and noted the continued positive outcomes for the 2014‑2015 program year, as well as in previous years; and

Whereas, the evaluation specifically noted that children enrolled in the NC Pre‑K program exhibited significant gains during their Pre‑K year across all domains of learning; and

Whereas, the evaluation also stated that children at different levels of English proficiency and dual‑language learners exhibited significant gains across all domains of learning during their time in the NC Pre‑K program; and

Whereas, the evaluation further stated that growth rates in domains of learning for children who had enrolled in NC Pre‑K were even greater during Pre‑K than for normal developmental growth; and

Whereas, all eligible four year olds should be able to participate in and benefit from the positive outcomes associated with the NC Pre‑K program; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education, the sum of twelve million five hundred thousand dollars ($12,500,000) recurring for each year of the 2021‑2023 fiscal biennium to eliminate the waitlist for the NC Prekindergarten (NC Pre‑K) program statewide.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2021.