The 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 include additional members such as parents of affected children, executive directors from relevant organizations, and leaders from early childhood education programs. It will convene within 30 days after the Executive Office of Health and Human Services secures $250,000 in federal funding to support its work. The task force will meet over an 18-month period to develop recommendations and strategies to address staffing challenges, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to services.

The task force will seek input from stakeholders, including the Rhode Island early learning council and the early intervention interagency coordinating council, and will finalize recommendations through consensus decision-making or majority vote. It will submit an interim report within 12 months and a final report within 18 months, detailing strategies to stabilize and enhance access to early childhood IDEA services. Key areas of focus will include suggested updates to state laws, funding strategies, workforce development, public awareness campaigns, and ensuring that children receive services in inclusive environments. The bill emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention in improving educational outcomes for children with developmental challenges.