LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM FOR STUDENT PARENTS

(a) A school district may provide an integrated program of educational and support services for students who are pregnant or who are parents. (b) The program shall include: (1) individual counseling, peer counseling, and self-help programs; (2) career counseling and job readiness training; (3) day care for the students' children on the campus or at a day-care facility in close proximity to the campus; (4) transportation for children of students to and from the campus or day-care facility; (5) transportation for students, as appropriate, to and from the campus or day-care facility; (6) instruction related to knowledge and skills in child development, parenting, and home and family living; and (7) assistance to students in the program in obtaining available services from government agencies or community service organizations, including prenatal and postnatal health and nutrition programs. (c) The district shall solicit recommendations for obtaining community support for the students and their children from organizations for parents of students in the district and from other community organizations. (d) School districts may operate shared services arrangement programs under this section. (e) From funds appropriated for the purpose, the commissioner shall distribute funds for programs under this section. In distributing those funds, the commissioner shall give preference to school districts that received funds for a program under this section for the preceding school year and then to the districts that have the highest concentration of students who are pregnant or who are parents. To receive funds for a program under this section, a school district must apply to the commissioner. A program established under this section is required only in school districts in which the program is financed by funds distributed under this subsection and any other funds available for the program.