VA SB259

Establishes the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program within the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to provide mental health consultation services to families of children ages 3-5 with developmental delays or behavioral concerns, as well as to childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and public prekindergarten programs

Requires the Department to develop evidence-based developmental readiness modules covering social-emotional curricula, family training materials, educator professional development, applied behavior analysis strategies, screening tools, and trauma-informed practices

Mandates designation of at least three pilot regions for initial implementation, prioritizing areas with existing early childhood service capacity, established relationships with schools and childcare providers, and ability to serve rural and diverse populations

Requires annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly by November 1 detailing the number of children and families served, services provided, impacts on kindergarten readiness, cost effectiveness, and recommendations for statewide expansion

Sets implementation deadline of January 1, 2027 for pilot regions, with pilot program provisions expiring July 1, 2029