What is Act 166?

Act 166, signed into law in 2014, provides for universal access to publicly funded prekindergarten education. Publicly funded pre-K offers 10 hours per week of free programming for all 3- to 5-year-olds during the academic year (i.e., 35 weeks).

Pre-K education is offered in a variety of settings including center-based programs, home-based programs, Head Start classrooms, private preschool programs, and in public schools. Programs must be pre-qualified with the Agency of Education in order to access these funds.

Program Pre-Qualification Requirements

What qualifies a pre-K program to become pre-qualified through the Agency of Education to receive these funds?

• The pre-K must be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or Vermont's Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS) with 4 STARS or 3 STARS with an approved plan.
• The pre-K must be licensed or registered by the Department of Children and Families and is in good regulatory standing.
• The pre-K's curricula must be aligned with the Vermont Early Learning Standards.
• The pre-K must have at least one licensed early childhood or early childhood special educator on staff or supervising during the funded hours.
• The pre-K must provide a secular pre-K education.