Section 161.244 - Early childhood education grants - definitions - standards1. As used in this section, the following terms mean:(1)"Early childhood education services", programming or services intended to effect positive developmental changes in children prior to their entry into kindergarten;(2)"Private entity", an entity that meets the definition of a licensed child care provider as defined in section 210.201, license exempt as described* in section 210.211, or that is unlicensed but is contracted with the department of elementary and secondary education.2. Subject to appropriation, the department of elementary and secondary education shall provide grants directly to private entities for the provision of early childhood education services. The standards prescribed in section 161.213 shall be applicable to all private entities that receive such** grant moneys.Added by 2023 Mo. Laws, SB 24,s A, eff. 8/28/2023.Added by 2023 Mo. Laws, HB 447,s A, eff. 8/28/2023.