Act 166 went into effect on May 28, 2014 and requires that on and after July 1, 2015 that Vermont’s Public School Districts provide publicly funded access to any pre-kindergarten child ( a 3 or 4 year old or a 5 year old not enrolled in kindergarten) whom a parent or guardian wishes to enroll in an available, pre-qualified program for at least ten (10) hours per week for thirty-five (35) weeks per year.
In addition, Act 166 requires that the Agency of Education, in conjunction with the Department for Children and Families, promulgate administrative rules to assist with the implementation of Act 166. On September 4, 2014 the Agency of Education released its Draft Rule for review. The Agency of Education anticipates that the public comment period for the Rule will occur beginning in October of 2014.
To review the Draft Rule: Act 166 Draft Rule
If you have questions regarding the implementation of Act 166 and the implications for local school districts, please contact Dina Atwood or Patti Page .