Sec. 2. Standards. The Department of Education, in collaboration with representatives of the early childhood care and preschool education community including Head Start and child care programs, shall develop by August 1, 2005 standards for early childhood care and preschool education programs that ensure services are provided by skilled, educated preschool teachers in safe and developmentally appropriate settings.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill requires local public schools to coordinate with community-based early childhood care and preschool education providers to determine the best way to deliver preschool education. Prior to receiving approval from the Department of Education for offering a so-called "early kindergarten" program, public schools must demonstrate that they have coordinated with community-based early childhood care and preschool education providers to prevent duplication of preschool services. The bill also requires coordinated planning with the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education to ensure that new "early kindergarten" services are provided in safe, developmentally appropriate settings by skilled and educated preschool teachers.