SF 2505 Summary

• Establishes early childhood health and developmental screening requirements for kindergarten entry, with schools required to inform families about screening availability and the option to use comparable screenings from public or private health care providers within 30 days of attendance.

• Creates State Advisory Council on Early Education and Care with expanded membership including legislators, health commissioner, and parents; directs council to develop recommendations on coordinating early childhood programs into a state Office of Early Learning by January 15, 2011.

• Defines eligibility criteria for school readiness programs, requiring children to be at least three years old, complete health and developmental screening within 90 days of enrollment, and have at least one risk factor such as qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, being English language learners, or having an IEP.

• Modifies child care assistance eligibility redetermination procedures to extend verification intervals from six months to up to 12 months for families with students under age 21 without high school diplomas who are enrolled in programs providing child care, parenting, social services, and academic support.

• Appropriates $500,000 in federal child care development funds in fiscal year 2011 for statewide child care provider training, coaching, and supports to prepare for the voluntary Minnesota quality rating system.