Universal Full-Day Kindergarten Act

To direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a grant program to make grants to eligible entities to carry out full-day kindergarten programs, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Universal Full-Day Kindergarten Act 2. Full-day kindergarten grant program (a) In general The Secretary shall carry out a grant program to make grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to carry out full-day kindergarten programs. (b) Application To receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Use of funds An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to establish or maintain a full-day kindergarten program— (1) that permits children ages 4 through 6, inclusive, to be enrolled in such program; (2) that does not require payment for participation in such program; (3) that is offered for the full school year; (4) that is taught by teachers who meet the professional qualifications, including licensure and certification requirements, for kindergarten teachers in the State or Tribal organization in which the eligible entity is located; (5) that includes academic standards that prepare students to meet grade-level benchmarks; (6) that may include standards related to cognitive development, socio-emotional learning, physical and behavioral skills development, and recreational activity; and (7) that, if supported by paraprofessionals, is supported by paraprofessionals who meet the qualifications outlined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6301 (d) Matching requirement (1) In general An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall provide, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to not less than 20 percent of the amount of the grant, which may be provided in cash or in-kind, to carry out the activities supported by the grant. (2) Waiver The Secretary may waive all or part of the requirement under paragraph (1) for any fiscal year for an eligible entity if the Secretary determines that applying the requirement would result in serious hardship or an inability to carry out the activities described in subsection (c). (e) Report Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a study and submit a report to Congress that— (1) specifies the number of State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and Tribal organizations that offer full-day kindergarten programs; and (2) assesses the availability of such programs with respect to each State. (f) Reservation of funds For each fiscal year, the Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section— (1) to provide technical assistance to potential applicants and to grantees; and (2) to carry out the requirements of subsection (e). (g) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2020 through 2025. (h) Definitions In this section: (1) Bureau-funded school The term Bureau-funded school 25 U.S.C. 2021 (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity (A) a State educational agency; (B) a local educational agency; (C) a Tribal government; or (D) a Bureau-funded school. (3) ESEA terms The terms local educational agency State State educational agency 20 U.S.C. 7801 (4) Full-day kindergarten program The term full-day kindergarten program (5) Secretary The term Secretary (6) Tribal organization The term Tribal organization 25 U.S.C. 5304

Summary: Universal Full-Day Kindergarten Act This bill requires the Department of Education to make grants to a state or local educational agency, an Indian tribal government, or a Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded school to carry out full-day kindergarten programs.