What is the Program Cost Factor for grades K-3?

The Program Cost Factor for grades K-3 is important as it represents the additional costs associated with providing educational services to younger students. This factor takes into account various elements such as class size, special instructional resources, and the developmental needs of early learners, all of which can lead to higher expenses per pupil compared to other grades.

A Program Cost Factor of 1.103 indicates that, on average, education for grades K-3 costs approximately 10.3% more per student than a baseline level of funding, which is represented by a factor of 1.000. This additional funding is critical to support the particular requirements of early education, ensuring that children receive a quality learning experience that is both developmentally appropriate and effective in fostering foundational skills.

The other options present varying factors that either do not accurately reflect the specific costs associated with K-3 education or suggest a misunderstanding of the funding model used for these grade levels. The choice of 1.103 aligns closely with the objective of adequately financing the unique needs of early childhood education, which justifies its selection as the correct answer.