FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   ESSB 6180

                                  C 196 L 92

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Protecting education programs.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Bailey, Erwin, Oke, Barr, Nelson and Skratek)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

BACKGROUND:

The Legislature initiated budgetary support for the Fair Start program beginning in the 1990-91 school year and increased the funding level for the program with passage of the 1991-93 operating budget.  It is suggested that establishing this program in statute will provide greater stability to school districts in providing coordinated planning and delivery of prevention and early intervention services to young children.

SUMMARY:

The Fair Start program is established in statute but is not part of the state's basic education obligation.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction establishes the program to assist school districts in providing prevention and early intervention programs and services for children in preschool through grade six. 

Funds are distributed on the basis of a district's student enrollment in grades K-6.  Districts are required to provide services to children on a priority basis determined by need as defined locally.

Districts may use Fair Start funds to implement or enhance an  elementary grades' prevention and intervention program using child intervention specialists or community-based public or private human service providers, defined as including but not limited to:  licensed mental health professionals, child psychiatrists, health care providers, social service caseworkers or social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, and school social workers.

Districts must submit to the SPI certain information, including:  the district's goals and plan for providing prevention and early intervention services to students; and how grant funds will be used for related in‑service purposes.  Districts must document that community-based public or private human service providers, district and building level staff, and parents participated in the development of the district's goals and plan.

School and educational service districts accepting Fair Start funds must enter into written interagency agreements with community-based public or private human service providers to assure delivery of appropriate services to students.  To the greatest extent possible, delivery of services shall not be duplicative, shall emphasize the most efficient and cost-effective use of Fair Start funds, and shall be provided on a 12-month basis.  Use of Fair Start funds with regard to health care is limited to services and information regarding nutrition and poor health.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      37    12

House 97    0    (House amended)

Senate      25    20    (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:  June 11, 1992