SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5879
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 3, 2016
Title: An act relating to early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
Brief Description: Concerning early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
Sponsors: Senators Billig, McAuliffe and Kohl-Welles; by request of Department of Early Learning.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/16/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)
Background: Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT). In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C, children from birth to three years of age who have been diagnosed with a disability or developmental delays and their families are entitled to intervention services. The program in Washington that provides these services is called the ESIT program. In 2010 the program was transferred from the Department of Social and Health Services to the Department of Early Learning.
Current law states that each school district must provide or contract for early intervention services to all eligible children with disabilities from birth to three years of age. Eligibility for these services must be determined according to IDEA or other applicable federal and state law, and as specified in the Washington Administrative Code adopted by the state lead agency. Current law also states that school districts must provide or contract for early intervention services in partnership with local birth-to-three agencies and birth-to-three providers.
State Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Their Families (Council). In accordance with the IDEA, Part C, the Council was re-established by Executive Order 14-03 on March 13, 2014. The mission of the Council is to coordinate and foster development of a comprehensive statewide system of accessible local early intervention services for children birth to age three who have disabilities or are at risk for developing disabilities and their families, and to coordinate transition of these children into programs for children ages three to six.
Current law states that the Council addresses children from birth to age six.
Summary of Bill: ESIT. The state lead agency for ESIT is identified as DEL. School districts may both provide and contract for early intervention services. A technical change is made to accurately reflect the name of federal law.
Council. The Council addresses children from birth to age three.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This agency-request bill clarifies what is already in practice. This bill makes technical corrections in current law. These corrections will provide clarity to providers.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Billig, prime sponsor; Justin Montermini, DEL.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.