BILL REQ. #:  H-3623.1 

Prefiled 12/07/09. Read first time 01/11/10.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services.

     AN ACT Relating to a program of early learning under basic education; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.150 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28A.150 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that a critical factor in the eventual successful outcome of a K-12 education is for students to begin school ready, both intellectually and socially, to learn. The legislature also finds that, due to a variety of factors, disadvantaged young children need supplemental instruction in preschool to assure that they have the opportunity to meaningfully participate and reach the necessary levels of achievement in the regular program of basic education. Therefore the legislature intends to establish a program of early learning for at-risk children and intends to include this program within the overall program of basic education.
     (2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction, with the support and assistance from the department of early learning, shall convene a working group to develop the basic education program of early learning. The early learning working group shall be composed of representatives from head start and early childhood education and assistance program providers, school districts, thrive by five Washington, and other stakeholders with expertise in early learning. The working group may convene advisory subgroups on specific topics as necessary to assure participation and input from a broad array of diverse stakeholders.
     (3) The early learning working group shall continue the preliminary work of the department of early learning under RCW 43.215.125 to develop a proposal for a statewide Washington head start program. The working group shall:
     (a) Recommend student eligibility criteria that focus on children age three and four considered most at-risk;
     (b) Develop options for a service delivery system that includes school districts, educational service districts, community and technical colleges, and public and private nonsectarian organizations;
     (c) Develop options for shared governance that include the superintendent of public instruction and the department of early learning each with appropriate supervisory and administrative responsibilities;
     (d) Develop recommended parameters and minimum standards for the program; and
     (e) Continue development of a statewide kindergarten assessment process.
     (4) The early learning working group shall be monitored and overseen by the quality education council established in RCW 28A.290.010 and shall submit progress reports to the council by September 1, 2010, and September 1, 2011, with a final report by September 1, 2012.