HI HCR176

Department of Health requested to convene a task force in partnership with the Executive Office on Early Learning and Department of Education to establish early learning wellness guidelines.

Task force membership comprises the Directors of Health, Human Services, Education, and the Executive Office on Early Learning, plus three individuals with early childhood education backgrounds appointed by the Governor.

Early learning wellness guidelines must include goals for nutritious foods, health education, physical activity, and childhood wellness promotion, while remaining consistent with State of Hawaii Department of Education wellness guidelines.

Guidelines must be sensitive to family choice and cultural diversity, with plans for adoption, dissemination, monitoring, and measurement of implementation across early learning system programs.

Department of Health must submit findings, recommendations, and the early learning wellness guidelines to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2014 Regular Session, with the task force terminating June 30, 2014.