HCS SB 947 -- EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

SPONSOR:  Shields (Baker, 123)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Student Achievement and Finance by a vote of 8 to 0.

This substitute requires the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education to develop, by June 30, 2007, standards for
early childhood education which will be applicable to public
preschool programs that receive federal Title I funds or Missouri
preschool project funds.  The standards must include, among other
items, an assessment of needs; a focus on cognitive, language,
physical, and social/emotional development; and highly qualified,
properly certified teachers.  In developing the standards, the
department must involve representatives of many groups, including
the business community, existing early childhood programs, and
school districts.  Districts that offer fee-based programs may
continue to offer them, in compliance with federal law.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that quality early childhood
education helps close the achievement gap, because good
foundations are established in those years.  Studies show lasting
effects.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Shields; Missouri State
Teachers Association; Missouri Council of School Administrators;
Missouri National Education Association; Missouri School Boards'
Association; Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;
and Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:46 am