§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.