Senate Bill 288 Summary

• Establishes the office of child development and early learning within the department of education, effective July 1, 2012.

• Requires the state superintendent to appoint office staff by August 1, 2012.

• Mandates the office collaborate with the division of family resources to create a plan expanding kindergarten through grade 12 education planning to include pre-kindergarten education.

• Directs the office to request Indiana colleges and universities with teacher education programs testify before interim study committees regarding pre-kindergarten teaching education options.

• Requires the office to develop educational development benchmarks for children from infancy through age four and report progress by October 31, 2012, and implementation status by September 30, 2014.