MS HB197

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.

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

Requires the foundation to match state appropriations with private funds and award grants for pilot projects, family scholarships, and quality improvement initiatives in early childhood education.

Mandates all state agencies, departments, institutions, and political subdivisions that serve children to 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.

Directs the State Superintendent of Public Education to award grants to the foundation and a private nonprofit organization to implement an early childhood development grant program and establish a quality rating system, with public reporting of results on state websites.