MSDE work group urges expanding tier 1 access for 3–4 year-olds with disabilities and a 60‑day planning timeline

MSDE staff presented a set of recommendations asking the General Assembly and state agencies to prioritize access to inclusive pre-K for three‑ and four‑year‑olds with disabilities.

Liz Zagby, MSDE representative, said the recommendation would “expand tier 1 to include all 3 and 4 year old children with disabilities regardless of family income for prioritization for seats and for full funding,” and called for MSDE guidance and accountability for local education agencies (LEAs) on distribution and monitoring of the Blueprint special-education weight funding.

The proposal includes a commitment for MSDE to produce a “plan for a plan” within 60 days that lays out tasks and timelines to address the special challenges of pre‑K expansion in a mixed‑delivery system, including recruiting and preparing private pre‑K providers, transportation, and facilities requirements. The work group framed the recommendation as requiring broader system partners—not MSDE alone—to implement changes.

Why it matters: Advocates and MSDE staff said expanding prioritization and clarifying funding flows aim to reduce barriers that presently prevent children with disabilities from enrolling in inclusive pre‑K. The 60‑day planning timeline is intended to create concrete, near‑term steps rather than indefinite study.

What supporters and staff noted: Attendees emphasized that implementation will require coordination across agencies and districts. The MSDE representative said the proposal will require workgroup members and partners to lobby and support statutory changes where needed.

What happens next: MSDE will include this recommendation in the draft report circulated to work group members for review; the group plans additional meetings before a final prioritization and implementation plan is posted.