ID H0636

Establishes the Office of Early Childhood Services in the Department of Self-Governing Agencies, effective July 1, 2025, with a director appointed by the governor.

Defines early childhood services to include child care, early education, early childhood special education, head start, and home visiting programs for children from birth to age five.

Grants the office oversight authority over early childhood services, the Idaho child care program, and statutory authorities previously held by the Department of Health and Welfare related to child care licensing and regulation.

Requires the director to prepare a transition plan by February 1, 2025, with at least one public input session and one public presentation in April 2025, and to develop a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget.

Directs the office to coordinate with state agencies, tribal governments, and the Early Childhood Advisory Council to improve service quality, create a unified eligibility portal, strengthen the workforce, and provide annual reports on early childhood services status.