MS HB1456

Creates the Mississippi Foundation for Early Childhood Development as a public-private partnership to identify cost-effective ways to deliver early care, education, and parent education for at-risk families to improve kindergarten readiness.

Establishes a 7-member board of trustees appointed by the Speaker of the House, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor, with representation from the Department of Education, Head Start Association, and private sector members.

Requires the foundation to match state appropriations with private funds and award grants for pilot projects, scholarships for low-income families, and quality improvement strategies including early learning standards and professional development.

Mandates all state agencies, departments, institutions, and political subdivisions providing services to children submit annual itemized lists of programs and services to the John C. Stennis Institute of Government by September 1, with compiled information provided to the foundation by December 1.

Requires the foundation to adopt a quality rating system for early childhood programs, make results publicly available on state websites, and report to the Legislature by January 15, 2015; this section repeals July 1, 2017.