Bill Text: HI HB2519 | 2012 | Regular Session | Amended

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Education; Early Childhood

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2012-03-08 - (S) Referred to EDU, WAM. [HB2519 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2012-HB2519-Amended.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2519

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the early childhood years from birth to age five are critical to an individual's long-term health and educational success.

     Research has found that over eighty-five per cent of a child's brain development happens by age five in response to the stimulation the child receives.  Children's early experiences, from birth to age five, lay the groundwork for a child's lifelong learning and behavior.  Studies have shown that high quality preschool programs directly impact school readiness.  There is now evidence that high quality preschool programs, along with full-day kindergarten classes, maximize the chances of children having strong third grade reading results.

     In addition, research finds that investing in high quality early learning programs produces significant returns.  In Hawaii, every $1 spent on high quality early childhood education realizes a $4.20 reduction in costs for future educational and social interventions.  In 2011, the department of education reported that statewide, approximately forty-two per cent of Hawaii's public school kindergarten students did not attend preschool.  In a November 27, 2011, Honolulu Star-Advertiser article, it was reported that elementary school principals and child advocates believe that kindergarteners without preschool experience are more likely to enter school far behind their peers.

     To improve the educational outcomes of Hawaii's people, we must promote our children's school readiness through high quality early learning experiences and beginning with high quality preschool that is affordable and accessible.  High quality preschool will not only lead to better educational outcomes in kindergarten and third grade, it will also reduce costs for subsequent educational and social interventions. 

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to further the development and implementation of a comprehensive early childhood system and preschool program.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2012-2013 to provide funding for the early learning council and the governor's early childhood coordinator to further develop and implement a comprehensive early childhood system and to develop, execute, and monitor a phased implementation plan for a public-private preschool program for four-year olds, including a financial business plan with potential sources of sustainable revenue.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2030.


 


 

Report Title:

Education; Early Childhood

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to support early childhood education.  Effective July 1, 2030.  (HB2519 HD2)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

 

 

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