Senate Bill No. 240, introduced by Senator Barrow, aims to enhance the regulatory framework for early learning centers in Louisiana by amending existing laws and establishing new provisions. The bill mandates that all public and nonpublic prekindergarten programs must be licensed as early learning centers and comply with child safety and welfare standards. It introduces a new Type IV license specifically for early learning centers attached to schools, while also repealing previous exemptions for certain prekindergarten programs from licensure requirements. Additionally, the bill outlines that Type IV early learning centers will be inspected by the Louisiana Department of Health according to school regulations and exempts them from certain employee training requirements related to shaken baby syndrome.

Furthermore, the bill expands the representation of Type IV early learning centers on advisory councils and commissions, ensuring that they have a voice in early childhood education policy. It also modifies the criminal background check requirements, stating that employees of Type IV early learning centers who have already undergone checks for their associated schools will not need to repeat the process. The proposed changes are set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB240 Original: 17:8(A)(2), 17:33(5), 17:35(A), 17:36(D), 17:40(A)(7)