HB 1491-S2.E2 - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Establishes the early start act.

Prioritizes the integration of child care and preschool in an effort to promote full day programming.

Rewards quality and creates incentives for providers to participate in a quality rating and improvement system.

Expands the duties of the department of early learning, the education data center, and the early learning advisory council.

Establishes a joint select committee on the early achievers program to review the demand and availability of licensed or certified child care family homes and centers, approved early childhood education and assistance programs, head start programs, and family, friend, and neighbor caregivers by geographic region.

Creates the early start account.

Provides that this act is null and void if appropriations are not approved.