§ 7–1A-01
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-1A-01 (2026)
Title 7. Public Schools
Subtitle 1A. Publicly Funded Full-Day Prekindergarten Programs
§ 7–1A-01LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Cost of quality” means the per–pupil amount provided under § 5–229 of this article.
(c)
“Early childhood educator career ladder” means the career ladder for private provider prekindergarten educators established by the Department under § 7–1A–08 of this subtitle.
(d)
“Eligible prekindergarten provider” includes an:
(1)
Eligible public provider; and
(2)
Eligible private provider.
(e)
(1)
“Eligible private provider” means a community–based early learning program that:
(i)
Is licensed in the State;
(ii)
Does not charge more tuition for full–day prekindergarten than the cost of quality; and
(iii)
Meets the requirements under § 7–1A–04 of this subtitle.
(2)
“Eligible private provider” includes the Ulysses Currie Head Start Program under § 5–231 of this article.
(f)
“Eligible public provider” means an early learning program that:
(1)
Is provided by a county board at a public school; and
(2)
Meets the requirements under § 7–1A–04 of this subtitle.
(g)
“Full–day prekindergarten” means an early learning program with a six and one–half hour school day.
(h)
“Prekindergarten program” means an early learning program at an eligible prekindergarten provider.
(i)
“Prekindergarten provider hub” means a coordinated partnership between eligible prekindergarten providers and other entities established by the Department under § 7–1A–09 of this subtitle.
(j)
“Prekindergarten slot” means the available space for a child to attend a prekindergarten program.
(k)
“Tier I child” means a child:
(1)
Who is 3 or 4 years old;
(2)
(i)
Whose family income is less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level; or
(ii)
Who is a homeless youth; and
(3)
Whose family chooses to enroll the child in full–day prekindergarten.
(l)
“Tier II child” means a child:
(1)
Who is 4 years old;
(2)
(i)
In fiscal year 2026, whose family income is more than 300% but not more than 360% of the federal poverty level;
(ii)
In fiscal year 2027, whose family income is more than 300% but not more than 450% of the federal poverty level; and
(iii)
In fiscal year 2028 and in each fiscal year thereafter, whose family income is more than 300% but not more than 600% of the federal poverty level; and
(3)
Whose family chooses to enroll the child in full–day prekindergarten.
(m)
“Tier III child” means a child:
(1)
Who is 4 years old;
(2)
Whose family income is more than 600% of the federal poverty level; and
(3)
Whose family chooses to enroll the child in full–day prekindergarten.