HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1794
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 House Committee On:
Early Learning & Human Services
Title: An act relating to early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
Brief Description: Concerning early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
Sponsors: Representatives Sawyer, Walsh, Kagi, S. Hunt and McBride; by request of Department of Early Learning.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Early Learning & Human Services: 2/11/15, 2/13/15 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & HUMAN SERVICES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Kagi, Chair; Walkinshaw, Vice Chair; Walsh, Ranking Minority Member; Dent, Kilduff, Ortiz-Self, Sawyer and Senn.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Scott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; McCaslin.
Staff: Ashley Paintner (786-7120).
Background:
In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C, children from birth to age 3 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) program. The stated goal of the ESIT 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 27 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. In 2010 the Department of Social and Health Services transferred lead agency responsibility to the DEL.
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Summary of Bill:
The lead agency for the ESIT program is identified as the DEL.
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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) This bill clarifies that the DEL is the lead agency for the ESIT program. As these services roll out to the field, there can be some confusion on who the school districts and contracted providers can turn to for support and guidance. This bill addresses that confusion and provides needed clarity.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Sawyer, prime sponsor; and Justin Montermini, Department of Early Learning.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.