AZ HB2856

Establishes a new Department of Early Childhood Education with a governor-appointed director responsible for administering a voluntary early learning institution certification program and coordinating child care services across state agencies.

Transfers child care licensing from the Department of Health Services and child care services from the Department of Economic Security to the new department, consolidating oversight functions.

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt academic standards for children ages 3-5, including STEM concepts, phonics and pre-reading skills, and classroom behavior instruction.

Creates an online platform for child care business owners to apply for licenses, manage subsidy payments, submit background checks, and demonstrate compliance with regulations in one location.

Certified early learning institutions become eligible for educational grants, tax credits, and streamlined zoning privileges equivalent to public schools, with annual audits to verify compliance with competency requirements.