HI HR143

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, and Education (or designees), the Director of the Executive Office on Early Learning (or designee), and three individuals with early childhood education background appointed by the Governor.

Early learning wellness guidelines must include goals for nutritious foods, health education, physical activity, and childhood wellness promotion; be consistent with State of Hawaii Department of Education wellness guidelines; and respect family choice and cultural diversity.

Task force must establish plans for adoption, dissemination, monitoring, and measurement of the guidelines in early learning programs and services tailored to specific needs of early childhood education agencies.

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