NY A09902

Establishes an Early Childhood Advisory Council within the state to promote a comprehensive and high-quality early childhood system with representatives from state agencies, education, health, business, and child care providers.

Council must conduct statewide needs assessments, identify collaboration opportunities among child development programs, and develop recommendations for increasing participation in early childhood education and child care services.

Council shall develop recommendations for unified data collection systems, professional development for early childhood educators, and improved early learning standards.

Creates a permanent Early Learning Investment Workgroup focused on engaging business and civic leaders, increasing public awareness of early childhood education importance, and developing public-private investment strategies.

Council must hold public hearings and submit a statewide strategic report to the Director of the Head Start Collaboration Office, Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, and Temporary President of the Senate.