HCS HB 1511 -- EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

SPONSOR:  Baker, 123 (Lager)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Student Achievement and Finance by a vote of 8 to 0.

This substitute requires the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education to develop, by June 30, 2007, standards for
early childhood education which will be applicable to public
preschool programs that receive federal Title I funds or Missouri
preschool project funds.  The standards must include, among other
items, an assessment of needs; a focus on cognitive, language,
physical, and social/emotional development; and highly qualified,
properly certified teachers.  In developing the standards, the
department must involve representatives of many groups, including
the business community, existing early childhood programs, school
districts, and private and faith-based providers.  Districts that
offer fee-based programs may continue to offer them, in
compliance with federal law.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that quality early childhood
education helps close the achievement gap, because good
foundations are established in those years.  Studies show lasting
effects.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Lager; Missouri State
Teachers Association; Missouri National Education Association;
Missouri Federation of Teachers and School-Related Personnel;
Citizens for Missouri's Children; and Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say there's some concern
with ensuring that the bill is not perceived as providing no-fee
access to a program that charges fees.

Others testifying on the bill were Missouri Association of School
Administrators; and Missouri School Boards' Association.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:43 am