DE SB305

Department of Education authorized to provide free early childhood educational services to eligible preschool-age children, with eligibility requirements to be developed by the Department.

Early childhood services must meet high-quality standards in four categories: learning environment and curriculum, qualifications and professional development, family and community partnerships, and management and administration.

Department shall contract with public and private providers, including Head Start programs, to deliver services; contracts may be up to 5 years with renewals if sufficient funding is appropriated and contractors meet program standards.

Department must establish "Delaware Stars for Early Success," a quality rating and improvement system that measures service quality, establishes quality standards aligned with child care licensing regulations, and includes public-private partnerships.

All contracting providers must ensure employees receive minimum 1 hour annual training on detection and reporting of child abuse; Delaware Early Childhood Council must meet at least 6 times annually and fulfill federal advisory council responsibilities.