ND HB1416

Transfers four-year old program approval authority from the superintendent of public instruction to the department of human services, requiring programs to be taught by state-licensed early childhood educators and comply with health, fire, and safety requirements.

Limits four-year old program enrollment to children who have reached age four before August first and charges a non-refundable $50 application fee, with collected fees used to investigate and evaluate applications.

Establishes the North Dakota early childhood council with a governor-appointed chairman and 24 members representing state agencies, legislative committees, school districts, child care providers, head start programs, and parents to advise on early childhood services.

Authorizes the council to review early childhood service availability, identify collaboration opportunities, support workforce recruitment and retention, develop recommendations for service improvement, and provide biennial reports to the governor and legislature.

Repeals previous early childhood education program sections and allows council members to receive expense reimbursement and legislative management compensation for attending meetings and performing council duties.