MS SB2312

Establishes an Office of Early Childhood within the State Department of Education to coordinate and integrate child care and early childhood education programs statewide for more efficient administration of programs and funding

Creates a Director of Early Childhood position, appointed by the Governor with Senate consent within 3 months of the act's effective date, serving a term concurrent with the Governor

Requires the office to develop an early childhood information system tracking health, safety, and school readiness of young children, workforce characteristics, and program characteristics

Mandates a statewide longitudinal evaluation of school readiness programs examining educational progress from prekindergarten through Grade 4, to begin within 6 months of the act's effective date

Assigns the office responsibilities including establishing quality rating systems for child care providers, coordinating professional development for early childhood staff, managing licensing, developing early learning standards, and assisting agencies in obtaining federal funding