(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Minimum Kindergarten Program Law.”

(b) The minimum standards for kindergarten programs in the public school system shall be as follows:

(1) The kindergarten program shall offer only the conventional five-day week and shall coincide as nearly as practical with the school term of the local school system;

(2) The length of the kindergarten day shall not be less than four (4) hours; however, if one (1) individual teaches kindergarten more than one (1) session per day, the total number of students shall not exceed the number otherwise permitted by § 49-1-104 for one (1) kindergarten class;

(3) Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years of age on or before August 15 each school year;

(4) Teachers of kindergarten shall hold a valid Tennessee license in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state board of education; and

(5) The employment of adult aides or teacher's aides for kindergarten is within the discretion of the local board of education.

(6) [Deleted by 2019 amendment.]

(7) [Deleted by 2019 amendment.]

(8) [Deleted by 2019 amendment.]

(c) Each LEA operating elementary schools under the laws of this state shall establish and maintain kindergarten programs in accordance with subsection (b) and rules and regulations promulgated by the state board of education.

(d) No child shall be eligible to enter first grade after July 1, 1993, without having attended an approved kindergarten program; provided, that a child meeting the requirements of the state board of education for transfer or admission, as determined by the commissioner, may be admitted by an LEA, notwithstanding any other provision or act to the contrary.