HF 460: Relating to play-based learning in preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten

What it does

This bill relates to play-based learning in preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten. The bill defines “play-based learning” as a pedagogical approach that emphasizes play and child-directed experiences in promoting learning and that includes developmentally appropriate strategies that can be integrated with existing learning standards. The bill requires school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to incorporate at least minutes of play-based learning during each half school day and at least 180 minutes of play-based learning during each full school day into the prekindergarten program.

House subcommittee · named February 16, 2026

• Rep. Bob Henderson (R) · robert.henderson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Tracy A. Ehlert (D) · tracy.ehlert@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla (R) · barb.kniffmcculla@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 12 for, 0 against

For: Common Good Iowa; Des Moines Public Schools; Iowa Association of School Boards; Iowa Occupational Therapy Association; Iowa Speech Language Hearing Association; Iowa State Education Association; Professional Educators of Iowa; Rural School Advocates of Iowa; School Administrators of Iowa; Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, Iowa; Teaching Strategies, LLC; Urban Education Network of Iowa

In plain words

1. February 19, 2025Filed in the House and sent to the Education committee
2. February 16, 2026House subcommittee named: Henderson, Ehlert and Kniff McCulla
3. February 18, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 18, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 18, 2026Committee vote: 23–0
6. February 20, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2652
7. March 9, 2026Withdrawn