SHB 2230

SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2230

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 Reported By Senate Committee On:
Early Learning & K-12 Education, March 28, 2007

Title: An act relating to early intervention services for children who are three years old.

Brief Description: Regarding early intervention services for children three years old.

Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Ericks, Bailey, Schual-Berke, Williams, Kagi, Moeller, Lantz, Hasegawa, Green, Morrell, Linville, Blake, Upthegrove, Hunt, O'Brien, Roach, Goodman, Simpson, Ormsby and Santos).

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Tom, Vice Chair; Clements, Eide, Hewitt, Hobbs, Oemig, Rasmussen, Weinstein and Zarelli.

Background: Under federal law, early intervention services are administered through the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP) for eligible children from birth to age 3 and their families. ITEIP is located within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Under current state law, school districts are required to provide special education services to eligible children with disabilities between the ages of three and 21. Each school district or public agency must have policies and procedures for children transitioning from ITEIP to preschool programs. Beginning September 1, 2009, each school district must provide or contract for early intervention services to all eligible children with disabilities from birth to three years of age. About 60 percent of school districts are already providing early intervention services.

Summary of Substitute Bill: DSHS and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must jointly confer on a policy and process to ensure that children who are eligible for special education services do not experience a gap in services when transitioning out of ITEIP at age three. DSHS and OSPI must report to the Legislature with recommendations by October 1, 2007.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill is seeking to address the problem that occurs when children receiving early intervention services turn age three at the end of the school year, but prior to the beginning of the school year. These children may experience a gap in services over the summer, causing severe setbacks.