AK HB59

Department of Education and Early Development shall devise a statewide early childhood education plan for families with preschool children that incorporates early learning guidelines and coordinates with existing pre-elementary programs, Head Start, and Department of Health and Social Services approved programs.

The State Board of Education shall adopt early learning guidelines that support an effective, cost-efficient, family-based, and optional pre-elementary program provided under the statewide early childhood education plan.

The early childhood education plan must be approved by the Department of Education and Early Development and coordinate with pre-elementary programs operating in the state to the extent permitted by law.

Department of Education and Early Development shall submit a progress report to the legislature on or before January 15, 2010 regarding the early childhood education plan's development.