5617.E AMH ELCS H2976.3

ESB 5617  - H COMM AMD
     By Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services

ADOPTED 04/08/2009

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"Sec. 1   RCW 43.215.090 and 2007 c 394 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The early learning advisory council is established to advise the department on statewide early learning ((community needs and progress)) issues leading to the building of a comprehensive system of quality early learning programs and services for Washington's children and families by aligning resources, establishing key performance measures, and ensuring children are ready for school.
     (2) The council shall work in conjunction with the department to develop a statewide early learning plan that ((crosses systems and sectors to promote)) guides the department in promoting alignment of private and public sector actions, objectives, and resources, and ((to ensure)) ensuring school readiness. Beginning August 1, 2009, the plan shall be submitted via electronic file annually to the appropriate committees of the legislature.
     (3) The council shall include diverse, statewide representation from public, nonprofit, and for-profit entities. Its membership shall reflect regional, racial, and cultural diversity to adequately represent the needs of all children and families in the state.
     (4) Council members shall serve two-year terms. However, to stagger the terms of the council, the initial appointments for twelve of the members shall be for one year. Once the initial one-year to two-year terms expire, all subsequent terms shall be for two years, with the terms expiring on June 30th of the applicable year. The terms shall be staggered in such a way that, where possible, the terms of members representing a specific group do not expire simultaneously. If an appointed member of the council is unable to attend three consecutive council meetings, a replacement representative shall be appointed to serve the remainder of the term of the initial appointee.
     (5) The council shall consist of not more than twenty-five members, as follows:
     (a) The governor shall appoint at least one representative from each of the following: The department, the office of financial management, the department of social and health services, the department of health, the higher education coordinating board, the workforce training and education coordinating board, and the state board for community and technical colleges;
     (b) One representative from the office of the superintendent of public instruction, to be appointed by the superintendent of public instruction;
     (c) The governor shall appoint at least seven leaders in early childhood education, with at least one representative with experience or expertise in each of the following areas: Children with disabilities, the K-12 system, family day care providers, and child care centers;
     (d) Two members of the house of representatives, one from each caucus, and two members of the senate, one from each caucus, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate, respectively;
     (e) Two parents, one of whom serves on the department's parent advisory council, to be appointed by the governor;
     (f) Two representatives of the private-public partnership created in RCW 43.215.070, to be appointed by the partnership board;
     (g) One representative designated by sovereign tribal governments; and
     (h) One representative from the Washington federation of independent schools.
     (6) The council shall be cochaired by one representative of a state agency and one nongovernmental member, to be elected by the council for two-year terms.
     (7) Each member of the board shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240 and reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in carrying out the duties of the board in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
     (8) The department shall provide staff support to the council."

     Correct the title.

EFFECT:  Preserves the elements of underlying bill amending the purpose of the ELAC and requiring annual reporting to the Legislature. Removes all the provisions altering the membership of the ELAC except the provision adding a representative from the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. Adds a provision requiring appointment of a replacement for a council member who is unable to attend three consecutive council meetings.

--- END ---