Pennsylvania House Bill 46 requires all school districts to establish universal kindergartens and pre-kindergarten programs and lowers compulsory school age to five

Original title: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens and providing for pre-kindergarten programs; and, in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence and for definitions.

Last action · January 10, 2025: Referred to EDUCATION, Jan. 10, 2025Sponsors: Tarik Khan and 27 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania school districts must establish and maintain kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs under House Bill 46, which also lowers the mandatory school attendance age from six to five and raises the upper exit age from eighteen to seventeen. The measure takes effect in 90 days and applies to the academic year following its effective date.

Why it matters

Families gain guaranteed access to public pre-kindergarten and kindergarten across every school district, while children become legally required to attend school a year earlier at age five instead of six.

Background

House BIll 46 introduces legislation in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to alter public school attendance requirements and mandate early childhood education programs. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Pennsylvania school districts

Boards of school directors must establish and maintain mandatory kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs, appoint certified teachers, and adjust enrollment policies.

Directly affected

Children aged five to seventeen

Children are subject to a lowered compulsory school attendance age starting at five years old and gain guaranteed access to public kindergarten and pre-K programs.

Directly affected

State Board of Education

The board must promulgate rules and regulations for the certification of teachers assigned to kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Pennsylvania school districts required to offer pre-kindergarten?

Yes, House Bill 46 requires the in all school districts to establish and maintain pre-kindergarten programs as an integral part of the elementary school system.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Jan 10, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to EDUCATION, Jan. 10, 2025

Version history

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