ID H0683

Establishes the Office of Early Childhood Services within the Department of Self-Governing Agencies, effective July 1, 2024, 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 for children from birth to five years of age.

Grants the office oversight authority over child care programs, early education, early childhood special education services, and statutory authorities previously held by the Department of Health and Welfare.

Requires the director to develop a transition plan due by February 1, 2025, with at least one public input session and an April 2025 presentation, and to request funding for an external audit of the transition process to be completed by April 1, 2026.

Directs the office to support a mixed delivery system of early childhood services through activities including workforce development, creating unified eligibility portals, updating learning guidelines, and providing annual reports on the early childhood services field.