Bill Text: HI SB2699 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Education.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-01-24 - Referred to EDU, WAM. [SB2699 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2022-SB2699-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2699 |
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THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to education.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is a public benefit from substantial investment in high-quality, developmentally appropriate early learning programs. These investments have been driven by significant and continuing research affirming the positive effects of high-quality early learning programs on the physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and economic outcomes of young children. Provided with such opportunities, children are more likely to succeed in kindergarten and beyond as well as grow into healthy, capable, and contributing adults.
Longitudinal studies have also proven that high-quality early learning programs are especially effective for high-risk children, including low-income and otherwise disadvantaged children, with great potential to alter their lifetime trajectories. Well-executed and well-targeted early learning programs have immediate and long-term benefits not only for the children participating in the programs but also for the societies in which they live, which boast higher levels of educational attainment; reduced homelessness, crime, and substance abuse; improved health; and better overall social and economic well-being.
The legislature further finds that although
there are pre-kindergarten education programs offered throughout the State, not
all children have access to these programs. Also, the cost of private pre-kindergarten programs
is out of reach for many families. Therefore,
children from low-income homes that cannot afford certain pre-kindergarten programs
may never have access nor be able reap their benefits. Therefore, it is critical to have universal no
cost pre-kindergarten programs so that every child in the State has equal access
to early learning education.
The purpose of this Act is to require the legislative
reference bureau to conduct a study on the feasibility of the State
establishing a universal no cost pre-kindergarten program.
SECTION 2. (a) The legislative reference bureau shall conduct a study on the feasibility of the State establishing a universal no cost pre-kindergarten program. As a part of the study, the legislative reference bureau shall:
(1) Research other states that have implemented a universal pre-kindergarten program, including how they have addressed transportation, the provision of school lunches, and other ancillary service for students;
(2) Research other states that have plans to or are in the process of implementing universal pre-kindergarten programs;
(3) Explore the potential positives and negatives of implementing a universal pre-kindergarten program in the State;
(4) Work with the department of education and executive office of early learning on examining how universal pre-kindergarten may be implemented in the State;
(5) Explain the existing pre-kindergarten programs in the State and the efficacy of those programs;
(6) Examine how a universal pre-kindergarten program in the State may include the following:
(A) Appropriate school staffing;
(B) Fair teacher compensation;
(C) Adequate credentialing requirements; and
(D) Staff professional development or continuing education;
(7) Discuss child assessment requirements, appropriate curriculum, and school schedules for a universal pre-kindergarten program in the State;
(8) Provide fiscal analysis and projections, including funding mechanisms that would be relevant to the implementation of a universal pre-kindergarten program in the State; and
(9) Propose draft legislation, if appropriate.
(b) The legislative reference bureau shall submit
a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed
legislation resulting from the study pursuant to subsection (a), to the
legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular
session of 2023.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Universal Pre-kindergarten Program; Feasibility Study; Legislative Reference Bureau
Description:
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
