MN SF1024

Establishes the Department of Early Care and Education, effective July 1, 2013, to consolidate early education and care services for children through age five.

Creates the position of commissioner of early care and education, appointed by the governor with senate consent, with salary in the same range as the commissioner of management and budget.

Transfers child care programs, Head Start, early childhood screening, school readiness programs, and family home visiting services from the Departments of Human Services, Education, and Health to the new department, beginning November 1, 2013.

Requires the commissioner to submit biennial reports starting January 15, 2015 to the legislature describing progress toward universal early education and care and evaluating the state's movement toward a coordinated system.

Directs the revisor of statutes to update all references in Minnesota Statutes and Rules to reflect the transferred programs under the new department's jurisdiction, effective November 1, 2013 or upon federal approval.