In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Cost of quality” means the per–pupil amount provided under § 5–229 of this article. “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. “Eligible prekindergarten provider” includes an: Eligible public provider; and Eligible private provider. “Eligible private provider” means a community–based early learning program that: Is licensed in the State; Does not charge more tuition for full–day prekindergarten than the cost of quality; and Meets the requirements under § 7–1A–04 of this subtitle. “Eligible private provider” includes the Ulysses Currie Head Start Program under § 5–231 of this article. “Eligible public provider” means an early learning program that: Is provided by a county board at a public school; and Meets the requirements under § 7–1A–04 of this subtitle. “Full–day prekindergarten” means an early learning program with a six and one–half hour school day. “Prekindergarten program” means an early learning program at an eligible prekindergarten provider. “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. “Prekindergarten slot” means the available space for a child to attend a prekindergarten program. “Tier I child” means a child: Who is 3 or 4 years old; Whose family income is less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level; or Who is a homeless youth; and Whose family chooses to enroll the child in full–day prekindergarten. “Tier II child” means a child: Who is 4 years old; In fiscal year 2026, whose family income is more than 300% but not more than 360% of the federal poverty level; In fiscal year 2027, whose family income is more than 300% but not more than 450% of the federal poverty level; and 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 Whose family chooses to enroll the child in full–day prekindergarten. “Tier III child” means a child: Who is 4 years old; Whose family income is more than 600% of the federal poverty level; and Whose family chooses to enroll the child in full–day prekindergarten.