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Ch. 717 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND

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(ii) Beginning in fiscal year [2025] 2026, the number of Tier I and Tier II children enrolled with an eligible prekindergarten provider.

(8) “Tier I child” has the meaning stated in § 7–1A–01 of this article.

(9) “Tier II child” has the meaning stated in § 7–1A–01 of this article.

(10) “Tier III child” has the meaning stated in § 7–1A–01 of this article.

(c) (1) (i) As calculated under subsection (d) of this section, there is a State share and local share of the per pupil amount for Tier I children.

(ii) There is no family share for Tier I children.

(2) As calculated under subsection (e) of this section and beginning in fiscal year [2025] 2026, there is a State share, local share, and family share of the per pupil amount for Tier II children.

(3) Tier III children are not eligible for funding under this section.

(e) (1) On or before July 1, 2022, the Department shall establish a sliding scale to calculate the family share required for Tier II children.

(2) The sliding scale developed by the Department shall be increased on a linear basis with:

(i) A lower limit of $0 per pupil for a family with an income that is 300% of the federal poverty level; and

(ii) An upper limit of the per pupil amount for a family with an income that is more than 300% but less than 600% of the federal poverty level.

(3) (i) Beginning in fiscal year [2025] 2026, the family shall pay the family share to the publicly funded prekindergarten provider.

(ii) A county board may provide up to 100% of the family share on behalf of the family.

5–410.

(a) In addition to its own assessments and tracking of progress, required under § 5–406 of this subtitle, the Board shall contract with a public or private entity to conduct an independent evaluation of the State’s progress in implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and achieving the expected outcomes during the implementation period.

(b) The independent evaluation shall include an assessment of: