AR HB1777

Adds section 6-45-112 to Arkansas Code requiring the House Committee on Education and Senate Committee on Education to conduct an interim study of early childhood education programs serving children from birth to age five in partnership with the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission

Study must evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of current state programs, determine policies and resources needed for optimal utilization, and identify additional programs or changes to improve outcomes for children birth to age five

Study shall review accessibility to programs, program quality, state policy, existing data, coordination between programs, and program accountability

Study must examine early childhood education programs under the Arkansas Better Chance Program Act and other programs affecting this age group with potential to impact child development

Written report of study findings must be presented to the House Committee on Education and Senate Committee on Education by October 1, 2014