NY S07553

Commissioner of Education must consult with Department of Health, Office of Children and Family Services, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and the Early Childhood Advisory Council to examine and evaluate education and development of children from birth through five years of age.

Commissioner shall review and analyze state laws, regulations, programs, and services across all settings including public and non-public schools, pre-kindergarten programs, day care centers, family day care, and early intervention programs.

Review shall address requirements for developmental services, health and family support services, education and certification standards for personnel including teachers, teacher assistants, day care providers, and directors, and federal, state, and local funding streams for early childhood education.

Department must submit findings, conclusions, and recommendations within eight months to the Governor, legislative leaders, and chairs of relevant Senate and Assembly committees on education, children and families, social services, and health.

Report must include recommendations for strengthening access to and quality of educational and developmental programs for children birth through five years of age and consolidating funding, oversight, and enforcement across all relevant services and settings.