MN SF1845

Establishes the early education access fund on July 1, 2020 to coordinate appropriations and programs for children in high-quality early childhood care and education programs of parents' choice.

Requires the Legislative Coordinating Commission to contract with a vendor to conduct a comprehensive study of Minnesota early childhood care and education programs using a request for proposal process.

Mandates the vendor consult with child care providers, Head Start programs, prekindergarten programs, school readiness programs, early learning scholarship programs, advocacy organizations, and eligible families representing public and private including faith-based providers.

Requires a report by January 15, 2018 with recommendations on integrating state resources, aligning income eligibility requirements, coordinating family outreach, reducing administrative burden, improving program integrity, transferring quality rating systems, establishing data sharing agreements, and consolidating program administration across Education, Human Services, and Health departments.

Appropriates unspecified general fund dollars in fiscal year 2018 to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for the early childhood care and education program study.