This bill establishes an early childhood IDEA services task force in Rhode Island, aimed at improving access to high-quality early intervention and early childhood special education services for children with developmental delays and disabilities from birth up to kindergarten entry. The task force will be co-chaired by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, the secretary of the executive office of health and human services, and representatives from the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Parents Leading for Educational Equity, and Rhode Island Kids Count.

The task force will also include additional members such as parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities, executive directors from relevant organizations, and leaders from school districts and early intervention programs. The task force is tasked with developing recommendations and strategies to address staffing challenges, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to services, particularly for historically marginalized populations.

To support the work of the task force, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services is directed to seek $250,000 in federal funding. The task force will convene within 30 days of securing this funding and will operate for 18 months, during which it will gather input from stakeholders. It will submit an interim report within 12 months and a final report within 18 months, both containing recommendations for stabilizing and enhancing early childhood IDEA services. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely identification and intervention for children with developmental challenges, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach to improve educational outcomes and reduce long-term costs associated with special education.