Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Human Services & Early Learning Committee |
HB 1267
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. |
Brief Description: Eliminating the sabbatical year for three year olds in the early childhood education and assistance program.
Sponsors: Representatives Senn, Goodman, Goehner, Pollet, Appleton, Ortiz-Self, Stonier, Griffey, Lovick, Callan, Kilduff, Frame, Eslick, Reeves, Doglio, Bergquist, Slatter, Thai and Leavitt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/19
Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).
Background:
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is the state's voluntary preschool program for 3 and 4 year olds. The ECEAP provides comprehensive services that include education, health and nutrition, and family support for participating children and their families. Children are eligible for the state-supported ECEAP who are eligible for special education due to a disability, are from families with incomes at or below 110 percent of the federal poverty level, or who qualify under rules adopted by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
The DCYF rules require an eligible child to be 3 years old but not yet 5 years old by August 31 of the school year in order to enroll in the ECEAP.
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers.
Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires individual and family intervention services for children from birth to up to age 3 who have a disability or developmental delay. The DCYF is the lead agency for IDEA Part C and the delivery of early intervention services through the state's Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program.
Early intervention services include:
family resource coordination;
developmental services;
occupational or physical therapy; and
speech or language therapy.
Early Head Start.
Early Head Start (EHS) programs are federally funded early learning programs that serve pregnant women and infants and toddlers under the age of 3. The EHS programs provide comprehensive support services that can be delivered through child care centers and family home providers, through home visits to the family, or a combination of both.
Summary of Bill:
A child is categorically eligible for the state-supported ECEAP if he or she is at least 30 months old by August 31 of the school year and has received ESIT or EHS services. A child who has received ESIT services may enroll at any point during the school year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 31, 2019.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.