Existing law establishes the Nevada Early Childhood Advisory Council and sets forth the minimum membership of the Council, who are to be appointed by the Governor. The Governor is also authorized to appoint such additional members to the Council as the Governor determines are necessary. (NRS 432A.076) This bill requires that the membership of the Council include: (1) one member who is a representative of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department of Health and Human Services whose duties include responsibility for maternal, child and adolescent health; (2) one member who is a representative of the Program for Child Care and Development in the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department; (3) one member who is a representative of a public school who works with pupils in kindergarten through grade 3; (4) one member who is a representative of a tribal organization; and (5) at least one member who is a parent or guardian of a child less than 8 years of age and who has participated in one or more federal or state early childhood programs. This bill provides that the member who is appointed as a representative of the Department of Education whose duties include responsibilities for certain programs may, alternatively, be a representative of the Department of Health and Human Services whose duties include similar responsibilities. This bill also defines the term “early childhood program” for purposes of the duties of the Council as any program that stimulates physical, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development for children less than 8 years of age pertaining to: (1) nutrition; (2) health care; (3) mental and behavioral health; (4) protection; and (5) play and learning.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 432A.076
Reprint 1: 432A.076
Reprint 2: 432A.076
As Enrolled: 432A.076
BDR: 432A.076