Iowa schools would apply new age and funding rules to preschool enrollment

School districts would enroll eligible Iowa children in the statewide preschool program and could enroll other children when space and funding are available. Eligible children must live in Iowa, be four by September 15, or turn five between March 15 and September 15 of the school year. Districts may also enroll younger or older children who do not meet those dates. A younger or older child may be enrolled only if space and funding are available. A child enrolled under the main eligibility rules may not be counted for state funding if the child was counted under this program in an earlier school year. A child enrolled outside the main eligibility rules may not be counted for state funding. These rules would apply to school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2027.

School districts would provide local preschool services to eligible children attending licensed child-care programs or existing public or private preschools, when required agreements are in place. The provision covers eligible four-year-olds and eligible five-year-olds who attend a licensed child-care center, registered child development home, or existing public or private preschool program. Service access is subject to implementation of agreements between school districts and community-based providers. A child may not be counted for preschool enrollment funding while already receiving preschool services paid for by another state or federal program. Excluded programs include child-care assistance, special education preschool, school-readiness programs, federal Head Start, and certain federal education services. These rules would apply to school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2027.

A child enrolled in the statewide preschool program would be treated as being old enough for compulsory school attendance unless a parent or guardian submits written notice to remove the child. The rule covers children who are four by September 15, or five, and who are enrolled in the statewide preschool program. The parent or guardian must give the school district written notice of the intent to remove the child from preschool enrollment. The text treats enrollment as triggering compulsory-attendance age; it does not state that attendance is compulsory before enrollment. This rule would apply to school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2027.