JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Senate has approved a measure that could pave the way for private, not-for-profit groups to develop a preschool rating system.

Just two years ago, the Legislature passed a law to bar the creation of a preschool rating system by the state, universities or quasi-government entities. Some lawmakers had raised concerns that a state rating system could have made some early childhood centers ineligible for state-subsidized child care.

The legislation that passed 26-4 on Thursday would leave that prohibition intact, but would let publicly-funded preschools participate in a rating program developed by a private organization.

The bill now heads to the House.

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Preschool rating bill is SB795.

Online:

Senate: http://www.senate.mo.gov May 16.