SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2282

As of February 19, 2014

Title: An act relating to the early learning advisory council.

Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to the early learning advisory council.

Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Farrell, Walsh, Kagi, Roberts and Pollet).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/14, 90-8.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/19/14.

Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)

Background: Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC). The Legislature created ELAC in 2007 to advise the Department of Early Learning (DEL). ELAC delivered a statewide early learning plan in 2010. After completion of that report, the role of ELAC was changed to advise DEL on issues that would build a comprehensive system of quality early learning programs and services for Washington's children and families by assessing needs and the availability of services, aligning resources, developing plans for data collection and professional development of early childhood educators, and establishing performance measures.

ELAC members serve two-year, staggered terms. ELAC is co-chaired by one representative of a state agency and one nongovernmental member elected for two-year terms. DEL provides staff support to ELAC and members are reimbursed for travel expenses. ELAC consists of 23 members including one representative from DEL, one representative from the Office of Financial Management, one representative from the Department of Social and Health Services, one representative from the Department of Health, one representative from the Student Achievement Council, one representative from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, one representative from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), seven leaders in early childhood education appointed by the Governor, two members of the House of Representatives from each caucus, two members of the Senate from each caucus, two parents, one representative of the public-private partnership, one representative designated by sovereign tribal governments, and one representative from the Washington Federation of Independent Schools.

Early Learning Regional Coalitions (ELRCs). Current law requires the DEL director to actively participate in a nongovernmental public-private partnership focused on supporting government investments in early learning. This public-private partnership includes ten ELRCs including Central, King County, Northeast, Northwest, North Central, Olympic-Kitsap Peninsulas, Pierce County, Southeast, Southwest, and West Central.

Summary of Bill: The total number of members on ELAC is increased from 23 to 34. Representatives from each of the ten ELRCs are added to ELAC. The number of leaders in early childhood education appointed to ELAC by the Governor is reduced from seven to six. A representative of a statewide alliance of early learning advocates is added to ELAC. A representative of school-age child care providers appointed by the Governor is also added to ELAC.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We would like to voice our support for this bill. We need to include local, community-level voices to ELAC. The Early Learning Regional Coalitions are nonvoting members of ELAC. The ELRCs want to be voting members. Voting is important. The ELRCs want to represent their communities. We are nearly four years into implementing Washington's early learning plan. A one size fits all situation does not work.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Kristin Wiggins, Thrive by Five WA; Helen Myrick, United Way of Pierce County; Casey Osborn-Hinman, Children's Alliance, Early Learning Action Alliance; Helen Myrick, United Way of Pierce County.