BILL REQ. #:  H-2589.1 

Read first time 05/31/13.   Referred to Committee on Appropriations.

     AN ACT Relating to an integrated high quality continuum of early learning; and adding a new section to chapter 43.215 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.215 RCW to read as follows:
     At such time as the amount of funds distributed annually to the general fund pursuant to RCW 69.50.540 is determined, the legislature shall prioritize funding for an integrated high quality continuum of early learning, called early start, for children birth-to-five years of age. Components of early start include, but are not limited to, the following:
     (1) Home visiting and parent education and support programs;
     (2) The early achievers program described in RCW 43.215.100;
     (3) Integrated full-day, high quality early learning programs; and
     (4) High quality preschool for children whose family income is at or below one hundred ten percent of the federal poverty level.