Report Title:

Preschool Open Doors; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for the Preschool Open Doors program. (SB974 SD1)

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

974

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

making an appropriation for the preschool open doors program.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes that recent neuroscience research has shown that the early years of a child are the most crucial in a child's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Research has also affirmed that there are tremendous opportunities for preventative work with children and families as well as the predictable, costly consequences of failing to take advantage of these opportunities.

The legislature further finds that quality early learning supports all aspects of early development activities provided by parents and caregivers in a variety of settings, including child care centers, family child care, and the homes of families and friends. Quality early learning is crucial in ensuring that every young child has a good beginning and will not lose the potential with which the child was born.

In 1998, the legislature adopted House Concurrent Resolution No. 38, which endorsed six desired child outcomes as state policy. The third desired outcome is that every child will be prepared for and succeed in school by:

(1) Having nurturing developmental care and early education opportunities; and

(2) Meeting age-appropriate knowledge and competencies.

The legislature finds that one way to improve Hawaii's performance in the third desired outcome is to increase the ability of parents to place their children in quality care. However, many parents need financial assistance to pay the full cost of quality early childhood education and care. More specifically, eligibility for child care assistance is a potentially important avenue for low-income families to gain access to center-based programs. Recent findings indicate that participation in a formal care setting fosters cognitive development (NICHD Early Child Care Research Network 2000). Programs that do not depend on parental employment status are another important route through which three- to five-year-old, low-income children can be exposed to structured group settings that enhance their preparation for formal schooling.

The purpose of this Act is to increase the number of child care subsidies available through the preschool open doors program.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004 and the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005 to:

(1) Increase the number of child care subsidies provided through the preschool open doors program;

(2) Pay administrative expenses for the preschool open doors program; and

(3) Provide parent workshops to recipients of child care subsidies in each county.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.