BILL REQ. #:  H-2228.1 

Read first time 02/20/2007.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services.

     AN ACT Relating to supporting early learning and parenting education opportunities at community colleges; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The state board for community and technical colleges shall conduct an inventory and survey of all campus-based early learning programs and services for the purpose of creating a coordinated system of course offering and early learning education opportunities including parenting education and on-campus child care. The survey shall include, but not be limited to:
     (a) Early learning and parent education courses;
     (b) Parent cooperative classes; and
     (c) Identification of early learning opportunities available on campus, including early childhood education programs and child care programs.
     (2) As a component of the survey, the board shall collect enrollment numbers and populations, program capacity, number of full-time equivalent employees, funding sources, and other data needed to accomplish the goals of the survey.
     (3) The board shall also consult with the department of early learning to further establish processes for developing articulation standards for coursework and training in early childhood development.
     (4) The board shall report back to the legislature by December 1, 2007, with recommendations for an integrated, comprehensive system for strengthening early learning education opportunities and child care services offered on community college campuses and to parents and providers in the community.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act expires January 1, 2008.