An Act to establish the Early Learning Advisory Council.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:
Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added:
13-1-67. Early Learning Advisory Council--Establishment.
There is hereby established the Early Learning Advisory Council consisting of twelve members appointed by the Governor. The council is established pursuant to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, as amended to January 1, 2012.
Section 2. That a NEW SECTION be added:
13-1-68. Early Learning Advisory Council--Membership.
The Governor shall appoint members to the Early Learning Advisory Council who have leadership in early childhood learning, and training, experience, or special knowledge of early childhood education and care. The appointees shall include:
(1) A representative of the Department of Social Services;
(2) A representative of the Department of Education;
(3) A representative of a local education agency;
(4) A representative of an institution of higher education in the state that offers a degree program in early childhood education or a related field;
(5) A representative of local providers of early childhood education and development services;
(6) A representative from Tribal Head Start programs;
(7) A representative of Head Start collaboration;
(8) A representative of the Department of Health;
(9) Two parents of a child under the age of six; and
(10) Representatives of other entities determined to be relevant by the Governor, including those with knowledge and experience in workforce development.
Section 3. That a NEW SECTION be added:
13-1-69. Early Learning Advisory Council--Duties.
The council shall:
(1) Conduct an annual statewide needs assessment concerning the quality and availability of early childhood education and development programs and services for children from birth to age five, including an assessment of the availability of early childhood education and development programs and services from birth to school entry, and for low-income children in the state;
(2) Identify opportunities for, and barriers to, collaboration and coordination among existing child development, child care, private child care providers, and early childhood education programs, development programs and services, including collaboration and coordination among the state agencies responsible for administering the various programs;
(3) Develop a report including recommendations for increasing participation of all South Dakota children in existing or additional early childhood education programs, including outreach to underrepresented and special populations;
(4) Identify potential new funding sources that the state or other entities could use to increase early learning or childhood development opportunities available to children in the state;
(5) Develop recommendations on statewide professional development and career advancement plans for early childhood education;
(6) Assess the capacity and effectiveness of institutions of higher education supporting the development of early childhood education; and
(7) Facilitate the development or enhancement of high-quality systems of early learning across the state.
Section 4. That a NEW SECTION be added:
13-1-70. Early Learning Advisory Council--Staff service and expenses.
All staff services required by the council shall be provided by the Department of Education, and all expenses incurred in carrying out the work of the council, including the per diem for council members who are not state employees and travel expenses shall be paid out of funds appropriated or otherwise provided to the Department of Education.
Section 5. That a NEW SECTION be added:
13-1-71. Early Learning Advisory Council--Report.
The council shall report the council findings and recommendations to the Legislature. The report shall also be available to the public.