HB 2777-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/17/04)

Finds that good after-school programs and activities can provide safe and effective learning environments for children who would otherwise be alone and unsupervised after school.

Finds that most Americans believe that children should have access to organized activities after school and that many of them would be willing to support those programs with their taxes.

Declares an intent to direct the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the department of social and health services to work with the Washington after-school network to develop a statewide vision and strategic plan that will create a road map for after-school programs in the state.

Provides that the superintendent of public instruction and the department of social and health services, with assistance from and in coordination with the Washington after-school network, shall: (1) Assess the state of after-school programs available in the state, including the number of children and youth served through those programs and the numbers and locations of children and youth who do not have access to such programs;

(2) Identify the funding sources supporting after-school programs;

(3) Study model after-school programs operating in the state and nation and identify the components that make the programs effective;

(4) Develop a statewide vision and strategic plan to coordinate after-school programs at the state and local levels and to ensure the availability of programs for every school-aged child and youth in the state. The plan shall include strategies that promote research-based best practices and shall include input from children and youth; and

(5) Report to the governor, the house of representatives and senate education committees, the house of representatives children and family services committee, and the senate children and family services and corrections committee by October 31, 2004, on the strategic plan and any findings and recommendations included in the plan.

Authorizes the superintendent of public instruction and the department of social and health services to provide, by grant or contract, funding to the Washington after-school network for the purposes of this act. The agencies may also seek and expend funds from federal, state, and local governmental agencies and private organizations for the purposes of this act.