This chapter applies to all publicly funded prekindergarten programs for all eligible 4-year-old children, as defined in Education Article, §7-101.1(a)(3), Annotated Code of Maryland, administered by local boards of education or qualified vendors. The overall goal of the prekindergarten program is to provide learning experiences to help children develop and maintain school readiness skills necessary for successful school performance. Local boards of education shall provide prekindergarten programs to accommodate all eligible 4-year-old children seeking enrollment in public school programs.