This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish, through contracts with community entities, early childhood learning and development resource hubs. The resource hubs must provide families with the information and support necessary to locate early childhood programs; assist families in connecting with other resources in the State; support the training of child care workers; and build networks among child care providers. The bill requires the department, beginning January 1, 2027 and annually thereafter, to submit a report to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters and education and cultural affairs and
13 to the members of the Children's Cabinet and its advisory council regarding the status of
14 state and regional early childhood education and family needs, data collected by resource
15 hubs and any related recommendations to increase access to early childhood services. The
16 bill provides $471,087 in funds in fiscal year 2025-26 and $1,621,048 in fiscal year
17
2026-27 to support the purposes of the resource hubs.