ESB 5617

Brief Description: Changing early learning advisory council provisions.

Sponsors: Senators Kauffman and McAuliffe.

Hearing Date: 3/26/09

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120)

Background:

Early Learning Advisory Council.

In 2007 the Legislature created the Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) to advise the Department of Early Learning (DEL) on statewide early learning needs and progress. The ELAC was directed to work in conjunction with the DEL to develop a statewide early learning plan.

Members of the ELAC may include up to 25 members, as follows:

1. one representative from each of the following state agencies:

   • the DEL;

   • the Office of Financial Management;

   • the Department of Social and Health Services;

   • the Department of Health;

   • the Higher Education Coordinating Board; and

   • the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, appointed by the Governor;

2. one representative from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction;

3. seven or more leaders in early childhood education, to be appointed by the Governor;

4. two members of the House of Representatives, one from each caucus, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

5. two members of the Senate, one from each caucus, appointed by the President of the Senate;

6. two parents, one of whom must serve on the DEL's Parent Advisory Council, appointed by the Governor;

7. one representative designated by sovereign tribal governments;

8. two representatives fom Thrive by Five Washington; and

9. one representative from the Washington Federation of Independent Schools.

                              The ELAC members serve staggered two-year terms. Co-chairs are elected by vote, with one representing a state agency and the other representing a nongovernmental member. The DEL provides staff to support to the ELAC and members are reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in carrying out their duties.

Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) is a Governor-appointed body representing a partnership of 12 members from business, labor, and government. The Workforce Board is responsible for advising the Governor on workforce development policy, ensuring the state’s workforce preparation services and programs work together, and evaluating performance. The Workforce Board also advocates for the non-baccalaureate training and education needs of workers who account for about 75 percent of the state’s workforce. Workforce Board programs include initiatives targeting teens in danger of dropping out of high school to industry skill panels to bridge the gap between high demand jobs and the training workers need to be successful.

Summary of Bill:

The role of the ELAC is revised so that it advises the DEL on early learning issues leading to the building of a comprehensive system of quality early learning programs and services through:

• aligning resources;

• setting performance measures; and

• ensuring children are ready for school.

Beginning August 1, 2009, the statewide early learning plan must be submitted annually to the Legislature.

Membership of the ELAC is revised to:

• add a representative from the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to the voting membership;

• reduce from seven to four, the number of early childhood experts who will be voting members;

• reduce from two to one the number of parent representatives who will be voting members;

• reduce from two to one the number of representatives from Thrive by Five Washington who will be voting members; and

• make the director of the DEL and all legislative members nonvoting members.

Co-chairs must be selected from the voting membership and only voting members will be reimbursed for expenses.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.