HB 1491

Brief Description: Regarding membership of the early learning advisory council.

Sponsors: Representatives Goodman, Walsh, Roberts and Kagi; by request of Department of Early Learning.

Hearing Date: 2/4/11

Staff: Megan Palchak (786-7120).

Background:

What are some federal requirements for State Advisory Councils?

State Advisory Councils established under the federal Head Start Act of 2007 are required to work to strengthen state-level coordination and collaboration among the various sectors and settings of early childhood programs in the state. State Advisory Council collaboration grants were made available to states through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) generally to assist Head Start and early learning program planning.

These grant funds depend, in part, on the inclusion of specific representatives to the State Advisory Council. According to section 642B of the federal Head Start Act, members of the State Advisory Council receiving collaboration grants shall include to the maximum extent possible:

• a representative of the state agency responsible for child care;

• a representative of the state educational agency;

• a representative of local educational agencies;

• a representative of institutions of higher education in the state;

• a representative of local providers of early childhood education and development services;

• a representative from Head Start agencies located in the state, including migrant and seasonal Head Start program and Indian Head Start programs;

• the state Director of Head Start Collaboration;

• a representative of the state agency responsible for programs under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);

• a representative of the state agency responsible for health or mental health care; and

• a representative of other entities determined to be relevant by the Governor.

What is the Early Learning Advisory Council?

The Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC or Council) serves as Washington's State Advisory Council, and is housed within the Department of Early Learning (DEL). The Council was established by the Legislature in 2007 to advise the DEL on variety of statewide early learning issues.

The Council meets quarterly, and its work generally focuses on building a comprehensive system of quality early learning programs and services by:

• assessing needs and the availability of services;

• aligning resources;

• developing plans for data collection and professional development of early childhood educators; and

• establishing key performance measures.

Currently, how is the Early Learning Advisory Council designed?

The Council is designed to consist of no more than 23 members, who serve a two-year term. The Council is co-chaired by a representative of a state agency and one non-governmental member. Co-chairs are elected by the Council for a 2-year term.

Of the 23 members, the Governor appoints:

• seven leaders in early childhood education with at least one representative with experience or expertise in each of the following areas:

  • children with disabilities;

  • the K-12 system;

  • family day care providers;

  • child care centers;

  • (not specified);

  • (not specified);

  • (not specified); and

• at least one representative from:

  • the DEL;

  • the Office of Financial Management;

  • the Department of Social and Health Services;

  • the Department of Health;

  • the Higher Education Coordinating Board;

  • the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; and

• two parents (one serves on DEL parent advisory council).

Other members include:

• two members of the House of Representatives (one from each caucus; appointed by the Speaker of House);

• two members of the Senate (one from each caucus, appointed by the President of Senate);

• one representative of Sovereign Tribal Governments;

• one representative from the Washington Federation of Independent Schools; and

• two members and stakeholders with expertise in early learning (appointed by the Council).

Summary of Bill:

The membership of the Early Learning Advisory Council is adjusted to meet federal requirements to receive dedicated ARRA funds by specifying categories for four of the Governor's seven appointed leaders in early childhood education as follows:

• Head Start State Collaboration Office Director or designee;

• a representative of a Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant/Seasonal Head Start, or tribal Head Start program;

• a representative of a local education agency; and

• a representative of the state agency responsible for programs under section 619 or part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (Replaces a representative with experience or expertise in "children with disabilities.")

The table below illustrates categorical changes to the Council membership.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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