Md. Code, Educ. § 7-1A-01

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Cost of quality” means the per–pupil amount provided under § 5–229 of this article. (c) “Early childhood educator career ladder” means the career ladder for private provider prekindergarten educators established by the Department under § 7–1A–08 of this subtitle. (d) “Eligible prekindergarten provider” includes an: (1) Eligible public provider; and (2) Eligible private provider. (e) (1) “Eligible private provider” means a community–based early learning program that: (i) Is licensed in the State; (ii) Does not charge more tuition for full–day prekindergarten than the cost of quality; and (iii) Meets the requirements under § 7–1A–04 of this subtitle. (2) “Eligible private provider” includes the Ulysses Currie Head Start Program under § 5–231 of this article. (f) “Eligible public provider” means an early learning program that: (1) Is provided by a county board at a public school; and (2) Meets the requirements under § 7–1A–04 of this subtitle. (g) “Full–day prekindergarten” means an early learning program with a six and one–half hour school day. (h) “Prekindergarten program” means an early learning program at an eligible prekindergarten provider. (i) “Prekindergarten provider hub” means a coordinated partnership between eligible prekindergarten providers and other entities established by the Department under § 7–1A–09 of this subtitle. (j) “Prekindergarten slot” means the available space for a child to attend a prekindergarten program. (k) “Tier I child” means a child: (1) Who is 3 or 4 years old; (2) (i) Whose family income is less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level; or (ii) Who is a homeless youth; and (3) Whose family chooses to enroll the child in full–day prekindergarten. (l) “Tier II child” means a child: (1) Who is 4 years old; (2) (i) In fiscal year 2026, whose family income is more than 300% but not more than 360% of the federal poverty level; and (ii) In fiscal year 2027 and in each fiscal year thereafter, whose family income is more than 300% but not more than 600% of the federal poverty level; and (3) Whose family chooses to enroll the child in full–day prekindergarten. (m) “Tier III child” means a child: (1) Who is 4 years old; (2) Whose family income is more than 600% of the federal poverty level; and (3) Whose family chooses to enroll the child in full–day prekindergarten.