MO SB980

Repeals and re-enacts section 160.254, RSMo, to modify the Joint Committee on Education's duties and add new responsibilities.

Requires the Joint Committee on Education to conduct a study on voluntary prekindergarten in Missouri and submit a final report with recommendations by December 1, 2010.

Study must examine current access to publicly and privately funded voluntary prekindergarten for three and four-year-olds in Missouri.

Study must review existing analyses of public and private funding strategies for prekindergarten within Missouri and other states, including strategies for blending funding for prekindergarten, parenting education, and services for infants and toddlers.

Study must include current research from other states on the impact of state early childhood education initiatives on school readiness outcomes and other immediate or long-term benefits.