HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2598

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 Passed House:

February 17, 2014

Title: An act relating to clarifying the lead agency for the early support for infant and toddlers program.

Brief Description: Clarifying the lead agency for the early support for infant and toddlers program.

Sponsors: Representative Kagi; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Early Learning & Human Services: 2/3/14, 2/5/14 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/17/14, 95-2.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Specifies that the Department of Early Learning is the lead agency for the Early Support for Infant and Toddler Program.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Kagi, Chair; Freeman, Vice Chair; Walsh, Ranking Minority Member; Scott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Fagan, Goodman, MacEwen, Ortiz-Self, Roberts, Sawyer, Senn, Young and Zeiger.

Staff: Lindsay Lanham (786-7120).

Background:

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C, children from birth to 3 years of age who have been diagnosed with a disability or developmental delays and their families are entitled to intervention services. The program in Washington that provides these services is called the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT). The stated goal of the program is to enable young children to be active and successful participants during the early childhood years and in the future.

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) contracts with 34 local lead agencies to deliver a range of services such as: specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. The provision of early intervention services utilizes cross-systems and agency collaborations between educational school districts, health departments, health and human services agencies, nonprofits, and county health departments.

Summary of Bill:

The lead agency for the ESIT program is identified as the DEL.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Some school districts have expressed confusion about the DEL's role in the ESIT program. State funding flows through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction; however, the DEL is actually the lead agency and tasked with running the program.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Amy Blondin, Department of Early Learning.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.