AR HB1068

Establishes a maximum of 209 regular employees for the Department of Education - Office of Early Childhood for fiscal year 2024-2025, with positions ranging from a Division Director (Grade SE02) to Administrative Specialists (Grade GS03).

Authorizes up to 14 temporary or part-time "Extra Help" employees to be paid at rates not exceeding those in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

Appropriates $26,674,253 from the Child Care and Early Childhood Education Fund Account for personal services and operating expenses, including $1,482,755 for regular salaries, $2,500,000 in grants and aid, and $12,046,304 in professional fees.

Appropriates $271,000,000 from federal funds for early childhood federal expenses and $20,000,000 from the Child Care Grant Fund Account for child care grants and aid.

Includes additional appropriations of $139,676 for commodity distribution and salvage operations, $36,786 for loan guarantees and grants, and $200,000 for childcare facility grants, with an emergency clause making the act effective July 1, 2024.