Substitute Senate Bill No. 14 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that introduces several changes to the education system in Connecticut, with a focus on improving educational outcomes, supporting special education, and enhancing early childhood education. The bill establishes an Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities within the Department of Education, mandates the creation of a Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success, and modifies the criteria for the Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy. It also addresses the financial operations of interdistrict magnet schools, including tuition charges and the withholding of funds for unpaid tuition. The bill ensures employment rights for teachers in certain magnet schools and revises the enrollment standards for interdistrict magnet school programs in accordance with the Sheff v. O'Neill decision. Additionally, it amends sections related to transition services for students requiring special education, expanding the role of the State-wide Transition Services Coordinator and emphasizing the promotion of Connecticut agriculture.

The bill also introduces the Early Start CT program, which aims to provide state funding to early care and education programs for eligible children, particularly in underserved areas. It specifies the roles of local or regional governance partners in implementing early childhood education provisions and establishes a sliding fee scale for families based on income. The bill sets forth new qualifications for staff in early childhood education programs and outlines a state-funded competitive program to enhance Head Start programs. Financial provisions include minimum per-child rates for children enrolled in the Early Start CT program and amendments to existing statutes to align with these rates. The bill allows for the issuance of child care licenses anywhere in the state and amends the Connecticut Smart Start competitive grant program by removing the annual grant limit per town. The bill was approved on May 30, 2024, and most provisions are effective from July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Public Act No. 24-78: 10-5, 10-95j, 10-96c, 10-66p, 10-95, 10-95p, 10-76q