Universal free pre-K program bill passes Rhode Island senate

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island senate has approved a bill to create universal pre-kindergarten classes free of charge.

If enacted, the “Rhode Island Pre-Kindergarten Education Act” would mandate publicly-funded programs for three and four-year-olds.

They would mix together head start programs, child-care networks and the school districts.

The bills authors note that it would give lower income families more time to work, as they hope 70 percent of the Ocean State’s pre-K kids would be enrolled.

That bill now heads to the house for a vote.