§ 15-45 — Grants for early childhood parental training programs

On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall implement and administer a grant program consisting of grants to public school districts and other eligible entities, as defined by the Department, to conduct early childhood parental training programs for the parents of children in the period of life from birth to prekindergarten. A public school district that receives grants under this Section may contract with other eligible entities to conduct an early childhood parental training program. These grants must be used to supplement, not supplant, funds received from any other source. A school board or other eligible entity shall employ appropriately qualified personnel for its early childhood parental training program, including but not limited to certified teachers, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers. (a) As used in this Section, "parental training" means and includes instruction in the following: (1) Child growth and development, including prenatal development. (2) Childbirth and child care. (3) Family structure, function and management. (4) Prenatal and postnatal care for mothers and infants. (5) Prevention of child abuse. (6) The physical, mental, emotional, social, economic and psychological aspects of interpersonal and family relationships. (7) Parenting skill development. The programs shall include activities that require substantial participation and interaction between parent and child. (b) The Department shall annually award funds through a grant approval process established by the Department, providing that an annual appropriation is made for this purpose from State, federal or private funds. Nothing in this Section shall preclude school districts from applying for or accepting private funds to establish and implement programs. (c) The Department shall assist those districts and other eligible entities offering early childhood parental training programs, upon request, in developing instructional materials, training teachers and staff, and establishing appropriate time allotments for each of the areas included in such instruction. (d) School districts and other eligible entities may offer early childhood parental training courses during that period of the day which is not part of the regular school day. Residents of the community may enroll in such courses. The school board or other eligible entity may establish fees and collect such charges as may be necessary for attendance at such courses in an amount not to exceed the per capita cost of the operation thereof, except that the board or other eligible entity may waive all or part of such charges if it determines that the parent is indigent or that the educational needs of the parent require his or her attendance at such courses. (e) Parents who participate in early childhood parental training programs under this Section may be eligible for reasonable reimbursement of any incidental transportation and child care expenses from the school district receiving funds pursuant to this Section. (f) Districts and other eligible entities receiving grants pursuant to this Section shall coordinate programs created under this Section with other preschool educational programs, including "at-risk" preschool programs, special and vocational education, and related services provided by other governmental agencies and not-for-profit agencies. (g) Early childhood programs under this Section are subject to the requirements under paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 15-30 of this Act.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 103-594, eff. 6-25-24.)