SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6593
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, February 4, 2010
Title: An act relating to the transfer of the administration of the infant and toddler early intervention program from the department of social and health services to the department of early learning.
Brief Description: Transferring the administration of the infant and toddler early intervention program from the department of social and health services to the department of early learning.
Sponsors: Senators Gordon, Kauffman, Prentice, Oemig, Tom, Kline and Parlette.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/27/10, 2/01/10, 2/03/10, 2/04/10 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Kauffman, Vice Chair, Early Learning; Oemig, Vice Chair, K-12; King, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Gordon, Hobbs, McDermott and Roach.
Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)
Background: Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes grants to states to assist them in planning, developing, and implementing statewide systems of coordinated, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, interagency early intervention services for infants and toddlers and their families.
Currently in Washington State, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) administers Part C's early intervention services under the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP). Early intervention provides services for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have disabilities and/or developmental delays. Eligible infants and toddlers and their families are entitled to individualized, quality early intervention services.
Under Washington law, as of September 1, 2009, every school district is required to provide or contract for early intervention services to eligible children from birth to age three. Under Part C of the IDEA, when the child turns three, services end. However, states are required to ensure a smooth transition for toddlers receiving early intervention services to preschool. IDEA, Part B, is available to all children with disabilities between the ages of three and 21.
Summary of Bill: The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is directed to serve as the state lead agency for Part C of IDEA.
ITEIP is renamed the Birth-to-Three Program. All powers, duties, and functions of DSHS pertaining to ITEIP are transferred to DEL. Additionally, any of the following pertaining to ITEIP are also transferred from DSHS to DEL:
all reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written materials;
all cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property;
any funds, credits, or other assets; and
any appropriations made to DSHS for ITEIP.
Whenever any question arises about the transfer of any property used for ITEIP, the Director of Financial Management must make a determination regarding the proper allocation.
All employees of DSHS working on ITEIP are transferred to DEL's jurisdiction. All classified employees at DSHS whose positions are within an existing bargaining unit must become part of the bargaining unit at DEL. All rules and pending business must continue to be acted upon and transferred to DEL. All existing contracts and obligations must remain in full force and be performed by DEL.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2010.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: ITEIP, as the Birth-to-Three Program, will receive the appropriate focus and attention in DEL. DSHS is heavily burdened with other jurisdictional duties. The transfer will create less expense over the long term. All young children should be a part of DEL. There used to be great frustration to get help for families with children with delays. This program really works. It has the mechanism to identify and screen kids for programs they need. Early intervention makes a world of difference within the child's family and enhances the family's role in infant and toddler development.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Gordon, prime sponsor; Cecile Lindquist, State Interagency Council; Cassie Johnston, Weecare.