MS SB2356

Amends Mississippi Code Section 37-21-51 to mandate that the Legislature appropriate $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2012 to fund the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2007.

Establishes a voluntary early care and education grant program administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services for prekindergarten programs serving four-year-old children, including Head Start, licensed child care facilities, and public/private school programs.

Requires grant applicants to collaborate with other early care and education programs, provide local matching funds, designate a fiscal agent, and meet specified teacher qualifications.

Directs a Governor-appointed committee consisting of representatives from state agencies and child care providers to establish grant application criteria including curriculum standards, teacher-child ratios, and licensure requirements.

Specifies that grant-funded employees are not classified as state or local school district employees and are ineligible for state health insurance benefits or Public Employees' Retirement System membership; effective July 1, 2011.