SB1051 Summary

• Establishes a Whole Child - Whole Community Recognition Working Group to create a framework for recognizing community and state efforts supporting comprehensive child development across five tenets: healthy options, safety, active engagement, adult support, and intellectual stimulation.

• Working group consists of 30+ members appointed by various education, business, labor, civic, and legislative organizations, including the Commissioner of Education, Director of Higher Education, and two General Assembly members.

• Working group shall meet at least four times per year in Little Rock, staffed by the Bureau of Legislative Research, with members eligible for expense reimbursement from the Department of Education if funds are available.

• By November 1, 2014, the working group shall recommend to the 90th General Assembly a process and procedures for application, evaluation, and recognition of exemplary Whole Child - Whole Community successes, with voluntary community participation.

• Bill outlines detailed indicators for educators, parents, community members, and policymakers in each of the five tenets, addressing health, safety, engagement, support systems, and intellectual development from birth through postsecondary education and career.