Connecticut 2024 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00014 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
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	3	+	LCO 1 of 3
	4	+
	5	+	General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 14
	6	+	February Session, 2024
1	7
2	8
3	9
4		-	Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
5		-
6		-	Public Act No. 24-78
7	10
8	11
9	12		AN ACT ASSISTING SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN IMPROVING
10		-	EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES, IMPLEMENTING THE
11		-	RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
12		-	AND THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND CAREER SYSTEM AND
13		-	ESTABLISHING EARLY START CT.
	13	+	EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES.
14	14		Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
15	15		Assembly convened:
16	16
17		-	Section 1. Subsection (a) of section 10-14z of the general statutes is
18		-	repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
19		-	2024):
20		-	(a) There is established an Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities
21		-	within the Department of Education which shall be under the
22		-	management of a chief. The chief shall be qualified by training and
23		-	experience to perform the duties of the office, including, but not limited
24		-	to, expertise in higher education, dyslexia and structured literacy. The
25		-	Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities shall (1) verify the
26		-	compliance of (A) educator preparation programs, as defined in section
27		-	10-146c, including intermediate administrator and supervisor
28		-	programs, and (B) applicants for an initial, provisional or professional
29		-	educator certificate pursuant to the provisions of chapter 166 relating to
30		-	scientifically-based reading research and instruction, as defined in
31		-	section 10-14u, structured literacy instruction and training, dyslexia
32		-	instruction and training, including, but not limited to, the compliance Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
	17	+	Section 1. Subsection (a) of section 10-14z of the general statutes is 1
	18	+	repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2
	19	+	2024): 3
	20	+	(a) There is established an Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities 4
	21	+	within the Department of Education which shall be under the 5
	22	+	management of a chief. The chief shall be qualified by training and 6
	23	+	experience to perform the duties of the office, including, but not limited 7
	24	+	to, expertise in higher education, dyslexia and structured literacy. The 8
	25	+	Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities shall (1) verify the 9
	26	+	compliance of (A) educator preparation programs, as defined in section 10
	27	+	10-146c, including intermediate administrator and supervisor 11
	28	+	programs, and (B) applicants for an initial, provisional or professional 12
	29	+	educator certificate pursuant to the provisions of chapter 166 relating to 13
	30	+	scientifically based reading research and instruction, as defined in 14
	31	+	section 10-14u, structured literacy instruction and training, dyslexia 15
	32	+	instruction and training, including, but not limited to, the compliance 16
	33	+	verifications required pursuant to sections 10-14aa to 10-14cc, inclusive; 17
	34	+	(2) review and recommend changes, as necessary, to the State Board of 18
	35	+	Education's process for approval of educator preparation programs 19 Substitute Bill No. 14
33	36
34		-	Public Act No. 24-78 2 of 43
35	37
36		-	verifications required pursuant to sections 10-14aa to 10-14cc, inclusive;
37		-	(2) review and recommend changes, as necessary, to the State Board of
38		-	Education's process for approval of educator preparation programs
39		-	related to such compliance verifications; and (3) provide guidance to
40		-	and consult with the department's Talent Office related to such
41		-	compliance verifications.
42		-	Sec. 2. Subsection (a) of section 10-14gg of the 2024 supplement to the
43		-	general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
44		-	thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
45		-	(a) The Department of Education shall establish a Center for Literacy
46		-	Research and Reading Success within the department. The center shall
47		-	be responsible for (1) the implementation of the coordinated state-wide
48		-	reading plan for students in kindergarten to grade three, inclusive,
49		-	established pursuant to section 10-14v; (2) researching and developing,
50		-	in collaboration with the Office of Early Childhood, a birth to grade
51		-	twelve reading success strategy to be included in the alignment of
52		-	reading instruction with the two-generational initiative, established
53		-	pursuant to section 17b-112l; (3) (A) providing direct support to schools
54		-	and boards of education to improve reading outcomes for students in
55		-	kindergarten to grade three, inclusive, and other reading initiatives, and
56		-	(B) supporting teachers, schools and boards of education engaged in
57		-	improving through coaching, leadership training, professional
58		-	development, parental engagement and technical assistance that is
59		-	consistent with the intensive reading instruction program, as described
60		-	in section 10-14u and aligned with evidence-based practices; (4)
61		-	providing independent, random reviews of how a local or regional
62		-	board of education is implementing (A) a comprehensive reading
63		-	curriculum model or program for grades kindergarten to grade three,
64		-	inclusive, pursuant to section 10-14hh, and (B) an approved reading
65		-	assessment, pursuant to section 10-14t; (5) receiving and publicly
66		-	reporting, not later than September 1, 2025, and biennially thereafter, Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
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67	39
68		-	Public Act No. 24-78 3 of 43
	40	+	related to such compliance verifications; and (3) provide guidance to 20
	41	+	and consult with the department's Talent Office related to such 21
	42	+	compliance verifications. 22
	43	+	Sec. 2. Subsection (a) of section 10-14gg of the 2024 supplement to the 23
	44	+	general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 24
	45	+	thereof (Effective July 1, 2024): 25
	46	+	(a) The Department of Education shall establish a Center for Literacy 26
	47	+	Research and Reading Success within the department. The center shall 27
	48	+	be responsible for (1) the implementation of the coordinated state-wide 28
	49	+	reading plan for students in kindergarten to grade three, inclusive, 29
	50	+	established pursuant to section 10-14v; (2) researching and developing, 30
	51	+	in collaboration with the Office of Early Childhood, a birth to grade 31
	52	+	twelve reading success strategy to be included in the alignment of 32
	53	+	reading instruction with the two-generational initiative, established 33
	54	+	pursuant to section 17b-112l; (3) (A) providing direct support to schools 34
	55	+	and boards of education to improve reading outcomes for students in 35
	56	+	kindergarten to grade three, inclusive, and other reading initiatives, and 36
	57	+	(B) supporting teachers, schools and boards of education engaged in 37
	58	+	improving through coaching, leadership training, professional 38
	59	+	development, parental engagement and technical assistance that is 39
	60	+	consistent with the intensive reading instruction program, as described 40
	61	+	in section 10-14u and aligned with evidence-based practices; (4) 41
	62	+	providing independent, random reviews of how a local or regional 42
	63	+	board of education is implementing (A) a comprehensive reading 43
	64	+	curriculum model or program for grades kindergarten to grade three, 44
	65	+	inclusive, pursuant to section 10-14hh, and (B) an approved reading 45
	66	+	assessment, pursuant to section 10-14t; (5) receiving and publicly 46
	67	+	reporting, not later than September 1, 2025, and biennially thereafter, 47
	68	+	the comprehensive reading curriculum model or program being 48
	69	+	implemented by each local and regional board of education pursuant to 49
	70	+	section 10-14hh; (6) developing and maintaining an Internet web site for 50
	71	+	the purpose of disseminating tools and information associated with the 51
	72	+	intensive reading instruction program for student reading; and (7) 52
	73	+	serving as a collaborative center for institutions of higher education and 53 Substitute Bill No. 14
69	74
70		-	the comprehensive reading curriculum model or program being
71		-	implemented by each local and regional board of education pursuant to
72		-	section 10-14hh; (6) developing and maintaining an Internet web site for
73		-	the purpose of disseminating tools and information associated with the
74		-	intensive reading instruction program for student reading; and (7)
75		-	serving as a collaborative center for institutions of higher education and
76		-	making available to the faculty of teacher preparation programs [(A) the
77		-	science of teaching reading, (B) the intensive reading instruction
78		-	program, and (C) samples of available comprehensive reading
79		-	curriculum models or programs reviewed and approved pursuant to
80		-	section 10-14ii; and (8) reviewing and publicly reporting on progress
81		-	made by teacher preparation programs to include comprehensive
82		-	reading curriculum models or programs reviewed and approved
83		-	pursuant to section 10-14ii] (A) resources and research supporting
84		-	scientifically-based reading research and instruction, and (B)
85		-	Connecticut's K-3 Literacy Strategy, developed by the center.
86		-	Sec. 3. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2024) Not later than July 1, 2025, the
87		-	Department of Education shall develop compliance measures and audit
88		-	procedures to determine the compliance of educator preparation
89		-	programs, including intermediate administrator and supervisor
90		-	programs, in the provision of instruction on scientifically-based reading
91		-	research and instruction, as defined in section 10-14u of the general
92		-	statutes.
93		-	Sec. 4. (Effective July 1, 2024) (a) As used in this section, "advanced
94		-	course or program" means an honors class, advanced placement class,
95		-	International Baccalaureate program, Cambridge International
96		-	program, dual enrollment program, dual credit course or program,
97		-	early college program or any other advanced or accelerated course or
98		-	program that is offered, and for which credit is awarded, by a local or
99		-	regional board of education in grades nine to twelve, inclusive.
100		-	(b) The Department of Education shall conduct a study regarding the Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
101	75
102		-	~~Public Act No. 24-78~~ 4 of 43
	76	+	LCO 3 of 3
103	77
104		-	feasibility of establishing and administering a state-wide program that
105		-	supports public high school students in participating in an advanced
106		-	course or program, and which gives priority to students from low-
107		-	income families. In conducting such study, the department shall consult
108		-	with local and regional boards of education and public and independent
109		-	institutions of higher education. Such study shall review current in-state
110		-	programs to provide advanced courses or programs, identify and
111		-	analyze similar programs in other states and provide recommendations
112		-	on the framework and criteria for implementing a state-wide program
113		-	in the state.
114		-	(c) Not later than January 1, 2026, the department shall submit such
115		-	report, and any recommendations on the establishment and
116		-	implementation of such state-wide program, to the joint standing
117		-	committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters
118		-	relating to education in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a
119		-	of the general statutes.
120		-	Sec. 5. Subsection (f) of section 10-5 of the general statutes is repealed
121		-	and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
122		-	(f) [Not later than September 1, 2017, the State Board of Education]
123		-	The Department of Education shall establish criteria by which a local or
124		-	regional board of education, or the governing board of any other school
125		-	that awards diplomas, may affix the Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy
126		-	on a diploma awarded to a student who has achieved a high level of
127		-	proficiency in English and one or more foreign languages. For purposes
128		-	of this subsection, "foreign language" means a world language other
129		-	than English and includes American Sign Language and any other
130		-	language spoken by a [federally recognized] Native American tribe.
131		-	Sec. 6. Subdivision (1) of subsection (k) of section 10-264l of the 2024
132		-	supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is
133		-	substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
	78	+	making available to the faculty of teacher preparation programs (A) [the 54
	79	+	science of teaching reading, (B) the intensive reading instruction 55
	80	+	program, and (C) samples of available comprehensive reading 56
	81	+	curriculum models or programs reviewed and approved pursuant to 57
	82	+	section 10-14ii; and (8) reviewing and publicly reporting on progress 58
	83	+	made by teacher preparation programs to include comprehensive 59
	84	+	reading curriculum models or programs reviewed and approved 60
	85	+	pursuant to section 10-14ii] (A) resources and research supporting 61
	86	+	scientifically based reading instruction, and (B) Connecticut's K-3 62
	87	+	Literacy Strategy, developed by the center. 63
	88	+	This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following
	89	+	sections:
134	90
135		-	Public Act No. 24-78 5 of 43
	91	+	Section 1 July 1, 2024 10-14z(a)
	92	+	Sec. 2 July 1, 2024 10-14gg(a)
136	93
137		-	(k) (1) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, and each fiscal year
138		-	thereafter, any tuition charged to a local or regional board of education
139		-	by (A) a regional educational service center operating an interdistrict
140		-	magnet school, [or any tuition charged by] (B) the Hartford school
141		-	district operating the Great Path Academy on behalf of Manchester
142		-	Community College, or (C) any interdistrict magnet school operator
143		-	described in section 10-264s, for any student enrolled in kindergarten to
144		-	grade twelve, inclusive, in such interdistrict magnet school shall be in
145		-	an amount equal to the difference between (A) the average per pupil
146		-	expenditure of the magnet school for the prior fiscal year, and (B) the
147		-	amount of any per pupil state subsidy calculated under subsection (c)
148		-	of this section plus any revenue from other sources calculated on a per
149		-	pupil basis, except for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and each
150		-	fiscal year thereafter, the per student tuition charged to a local or
151		-	regional board of education shall not exceed fifty-eight per cent the per
152		-	student tuition charged during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. If
153		-	any such board of education fails to pay such tuition, the commissioner
154		-	may withhold from such board's town or towns a sum payable under
155		-	section 10-262i in an amount not to exceed the amount of the unpaid
156		-	tuition to the magnet school and pay such money to the fiscal agent for
157		-	the magnet school as a supplementary grant for the operation of the
158		-	interdistrict magnet school program. In no case shall the sum of such
159		-	tuitions exceed the difference between (i) the total expenditures of the
160		-	magnet school for the prior fiscal year, and (ii) the total per pupil state
161		-	subsidy calculated under subsection (c) of this section plus any revenue
162		-	from other sources. The commissioner may conduct a comprehensive
163		-	financial review of the operating budget of a magnet school to verify
164		-	such tuition rate.
165		-	Sec. 7. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2024) In determining the rights and
166		-	benefits earned by a teacher under sections 10-151 and 10-156 of the
167		-	general statutes, employment in a school operated by Goodwin
168		-	University Magnet Schools, Inc. or Goodwin University Educational Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
169		-
170		-	Public Act No. 24-78 6 of 43
171		-
172		-	Services, Inc. shall not be deemed to interrupt the continuous
173		-	employment of a teacher who was employed by a local or regional board
174		-	of education during the school year immediately prior to employment
175		-	in such school and such teacher shall continue as an employee of
176		-	Goodwin University Magnet Schools, Inc. or Goodwin University
177		-	Educational Services, Inc., subject to the provisions of section 10-151 of
178		-	the general statutes.
179		-	Sec. 8. Section 10-264o of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes
180		-	is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
181		-	passage):
182		-	(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, interdistrict
183		-	magnet schools that begin operations on or after July 1, 2008, pursuant
184		-	to the decision in Sheff v. O'Neill, 238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related
185		-	stipulation or order in effect, as determined by the Commissioner of
186		-	Education, may operate without district participation agreements and
187		-	enroll students from any district through a lottery designated by the
188		-	commissioner.
189		-	(b) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, and each fiscal year
190		-	thereafter, any tuition charged to a local or regional board of education
191		-	by a regional educational service center or by Goodwin University
192		-	Magnet Schools operating an interdistrict magnet school assisting the
193		-	state in meeting its obligations pursuant to the decision in Sheff v.
194		-	O'Neill, 238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related stipulation or order in effect,
195		-	as determined by the Commissioner of Education, for any student
196		-	enrolled in kindergarten to grade twelve, inclusive, in such interdistrict
197		-	magnet school shall be in an amount equal to the difference between (1)
198		-	the average per pupil expenditure of the magnet school for the prior
199		-	fiscal year, and (2) the amount of any per pupil state subsidy calculated
200		-	under subsection (c) of section 10-264l, plus any revenue from other
201		-	sources calculated on a per pupil basis, except for the fiscal year ending
202		-	June 30, 2025, and each fiscal year thereafter, the per student tuition Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
203		-
204		-	Public Act No. 24-78 7 of 43
205		-
206		-	charged to a local or regional board of education shall not exceed fifty-
207		-	eight per cent the per student tuition charged during the fiscal year
208		-	ending June 30, 2024. If any such board of education fails to pay such
209		-	tuition, the commissioner may withhold from such board's town or
210		-	towns a sum payable under section 10-262i in an amount not to exceed
211		-	the amount of the unpaid tuition to the magnet school and pay such
212		-	money to the fiscal agent for the magnet school as a supplementary
213		-	grant for the operation of the interdistrict magnet school program. In no
214		-	case shall the sum of such tuitions exceed the difference between (A) the
215		-	total expenditures of the magnet school for the prior fiscal year, and (B)
216		-	the total per pupil state subsidy calculated under subsection (c) of
217		-	section 10-264l, plus any revenue from other sources. The commissioner
218		-	may conduct a comprehensive review of the operating budget of a
219		-	magnet school to verify such tuition rate.
220		-	(c) (1) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, a regional educational
221		-	service center operating an interdistrict magnet school assisting the state
222		-	in meeting its obligations pursuant to the decision in Sheff v. O'Neill,
223		-	238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related stipulation or order in effect, as
224		-	determined by the Commissioner of Education, and offering a preschool
225		-	program shall not charge tuition for a child enrolled in such preschool
226		-	program.
227		-	(2) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, a regional educational
228		-	service center operating an interdistrict magnet school assisting the state
229		-	in meeting its obligations pursuant to the decision in Sheff v. O'Neill,
230		-	238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related stipulation or order in effect, as
231		-	determined by the Commissioner of Education, and offering a preschool
232		-	program may charge tuition to the Department of Education for a child
233		-	enrolled in such preschool program in an amount not to exceed an
234		-	amount equal to the difference between (A) the average per pupil
235		-	expenditure of the preschool program offered at the magnet school for
236		-	the prior fiscal year, and (B) the amount of any per pupil state subsidy Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
237		-
238		-	Public Act No. 24-78 8 of 43
239		-
240		-	calculated under subsection (c) of section 10-264l, plus any revenue from
241		-	other sources calculated on a per pupil basis. The commissioner may
242		-	conduct a comprehensive review of the operating budget of any such
243		-	magnet school charging such tuition to verify such tuition rate.
244		-	(3) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, a regional educational
245		-	service center operating an interdistrict magnet school assisting the state
246		-	in meeting its obligations pursuant to the decision in Sheff v. O'Neill,
247		-	238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related stipulation or order in effect, as
248		-	determined by the Commissioner of Education, and offering a preschool
249		-	program may charge tuition to the parent or guardian of a child enrolled
250		-	in such preschool program in an amount that is in accordance with the
251		-	sliding tuition scale adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant
252		-	to section 10-264p. The Department of Education shall be financially
253		-	responsible for any unpaid portion of the tuition not charged to such
254		-	parent or guardian under such sliding tuition scale. Such tuition shall
255		-	not exceed an amount equal to the difference between (A) the average
256		-	per pupil expenditure of the preschool program offered at the magnet
257		-	school for the prior fiscal year, and (B) the amount of any per pupil state
258		-	subsidy calculated under subsection (c) of section 10-264l, plus any
259		-	revenue from other sources calculated on a per pupil basis. The
260		-	commissioner may conduct a comprehensive review of the operating
261		-	budget of any such magnet school charging such tuition to verify such
262		-	tuition rate.
263		-	(4) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, and each fiscal year
264		-	thereafter, a regional educational service center or Goodwin University
265		-	Magnet Schools operating an interdistrict magnet school assisting the
266		-	state in meeting its obligations pursuant to the decision in Sheff v.
267		-	O'Neill, 238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related stipulation or order in effect,
268		-	as determined by the Commissioner of Education, and offering a
269		-	preschool program shall charge tuition to the parent or guardian of a
270		-	child enrolled in such preschool program in an amount up to four Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
271		-
272		-	Public Act No. 24-78 9 of 43
273		-
274		-	thousand fifty-three dollars, except such regional educational service
275		-	center or Goodwin University Magnet Schools shall not charge tuition
276		-	to such parent or guardian with a family income at or below seventy-
277		-	five per cent of the state median income. The Department of Education
278		-	shall, within available appropriations, be financially responsible for any
279		-	unpaid tuition charged to such parent or guardian with a family income
280		-	at or below seventy-five per cent of the state median income. The
281		-	commissioner may conduct a comprehensive financial review of the
282		-	operating budget of any such magnet school charging such tuition to
283		-	verify such tuition rate.
284		-	Sec. 9. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 10-264l of the 2024
285		-	supplement to the general statutes are repealed and the following is
286		-	substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
287		-	(a) The Department of Education shall, within available
288		-	appropriations, establish a grant program (1) to assist (A) local and
289		-	regional boards of education, (B) regional educational service centers,
290		-	(C) the Board of Trustees of the Community-Technical Colleges on
291		-	behalf of Quinebaug Valley Community College and Three Rivers
292		-	Community College, and (D) cooperative arrangements pursuant to
293		-	section 10-158a, and (2) in assisting the state in meeting its obligations
294		-	pursuant to the decision in Sheff v. O'Neill, 238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any
295		-	related stipulation or order in effect, as determined by the
296		-	commissioner, to assist (A) the Board of Trustees of the Community-
297		-	Technical Colleges on behalf of a regional community-technical college,
298		-	(B) the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut State University System on
299		-	behalf of a state university, (C) the Board of Trustees of The University
300		-	of Connecticut on behalf of the university, (D) the board of governors
301		-	for an independent institution of higher education, as defined in
302		-	subsection (a) of section 10a-173, or the equivalent of such a board, on
303		-	behalf of the independent institution of higher education, and (E) any
304		-	other third-party not-for-profit corporation approved by the Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
305		-
306		-	Public Act No. 24-78 10 of 43
307		-
308		-	commissioner with the operation of interdistrict magnet school
309		-	programs. All interdistrict magnet schools shall be operated in
310		-	conformance with the same laws and regulations applicable to public
311		-	schools. For the purposes of this section "an interdistrict magnet school
312		-	program" means a program which (i) supports racial, ethnic and
313		-	economic diversity, (ii) offers a special and high quality curriculum, and
314		-	(iii) requires students who are enrolled to attend at least half-time. An
315		-	interdistrict magnet school program does not include a regional
316		-	agricultural science and technology school, a technical education and
317		-	career school or a regional special education center. For the school year
318		-	commencing July 1, 2017, and each school year thereafter, the governing
319		-	authority for each interdistrict magnet school program shall (I) restrict
320		-	the number of students that may enroll in the school from a participating
321		-	district to seventy-five per cent of the total school enrollment, and (II)
322		-	maintain a total school enrollment that is in accordance with the
323		-	[reduced-isolation setting] enrollment standards for interdistrict
324		-	magnet school programs, developed by the Commissioner of Education
325		-	pursuant to section 10-264r, as amended by this act.
326		-	(b) (1) Applications for interdistrict magnet school program
327		-	operating grants awarded pursuant to this section shall be submitted
328		-	annually to the Commissioner of Education at such time and in such
329		-	manner as the commissioner prescribes, except that on and after July 1,
330		-	2009, applications for such operating grants for new interdistrict magnet
331		-	schools, other than those that the commissioner determines will assist
332		-	the state in meeting its obligations pursuant to the decision in Sheff v.
333		-	O'Neill, 238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related stipulation or order in effect,
334		-	as determined by the commissioner, shall not be accepted until the
335		-	commissioner develops a comprehensive state-wide interdistrict
336		-	magnet school plan. The commissioner shall submit such
337		-	comprehensive state-wide interdistrict magnet school plan on or before
338		-	October 1, 2016, to the joint standing committees of the General
339		-	Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education and Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
340		-
341		-	Public Act No. 24-78 11 of 43
342		-
343		-	appropriations.
344		-	(2) In determining whether an application shall be approved and
345		-	funds awarded pursuant to this section, the commissioner shall
346		-	consider, but such consideration shall not be limited to: (A) Whether the
347		-	program offered by the school is likely to increase student achievement;
348		-	(B) whether the program is likely to reduce racial, ethnic and economic
349		-	isolation; (C) the percentage of the student enrollment in the program
350		-	from each participating district; and (D) the proposed operating budget
351		-	and the sources of funding for the interdistrict magnet school. For a
352		-	magnet school not operated by a local or regional board of education,
353		-	the commissioner shall only approve a proposed operating budget that,
354		-	on a per pupil basis, does not exceed the maximum allowable threshold
355		-	established in accordance with this subdivision. The maximum
356		-	allowable threshold shall be an amount equal to one hundred twenty
357		-	per cent of the state average of the quotient obtained by dividing net
358		-	current expenditures, as defined in section 10-261, by average daily
359		-	membership, as defined in said section, for the fiscal year two years
360		-	prior to the fiscal year for which the operating grant is requested. The
361		-	Department of Education shall establish the maximum allowable
362		-	threshold no later than December fifteenth of the fiscal year prior to the
363		-	fiscal year for which the operating grant is requested. If requested by an
364		-	applicant that is not a local or regional board of education, the
365		-	commissioner may approve a proposed operating budget that exceeds
366		-	the maximum allowable threshold if the commissioner determines that
367		-	there are extraordinary programmatic needs. For the fiscal years ending
368		-	June 30, 2017, [June 30, 2018, June 30, 2020, and June 30, 2021] to June 30,
369		-	2025, inclusive, in the case of an interdistrict magnet school that will
370		-	assist the state in meeting its obligations pursuant to the decision in
371		-	Sheff v. O'Neill, 238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related stipulation or order
372		-	in effect, as determined by the commissioner, the commissioner shall
373		-	also consider whether the school is meeting the [reduced-isolation
374		-	setting] enrollment standards for interdistrict magnet school programs, Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
375		-
376		-	Public Act No. 24-78 12 of 43
377		-
378		-	developed by the commissioner pursuant to section 10-264r, as
379		-	amended by this act. If such school has not met such [reduced-isolation
380		-	setting] enrollment standards, it shall not be entitled to receive a grant
381		-	pursuant to this section unless the commissioner finds that it is
382		-	appropriate to award a grant for an additional year or years and
383		-	approves a plan to bring such school into compliance with such
384		-	[reduced-isolation setting] enrollment standards. If requested by the
385		-	commissioner, the applicant shall meet with the commissioner or the
386		-	commissioner's designee to discuss the budget and sources of funding.
387		-	(3) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2018, to June 30, 2025,
388		-	inclusive, the commissioner shall not award a grant to an interdistrict
389		-	magnet school program that (A) has more than seventy-five per cent of
390		-	the total school enrollment from one school district, or (B) does not
391		-	maintain a total school enrollment that is in accordance with the
392		-	[reduced-isolation setting] enrollment standards for interdistrict
393		-	magnet school programs, developed by the Commissioner of Education
394		-	pursuant to section 10-264r, as amended by this act, except the
395		-	commissioner may award a grant to such school for an additional year
396		-	or years if the commissioner finds it is appropriate to do so and
397		-	approves a plan to bring such school into compliance with such
398		-	residency or [reduced-isolation setting] enrollment standards.
399		-	(4) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2018, to [June 30, 2021] June 30,
400		-	2025, inclusive, if an interdistrict magnet school program does not
401		-	maintain a total school enrollment that is in accordance with the
402		-	[reduced-isolation setting] enrollment standards for interdistrict
403		-	magnet school programs, developed by the commissioner pursuant to
404		-	section 10-264r, as amended by this act, for two or more consecutive
405		-	years, the commissioner may impose a financial penalty on the operator
406		-	of such interdistrict magnet school program, or take any other measure,
407		-	in consultation with such operator, as may be appropriate to assist such
408		-	operator in complying with such [reduced-isolation setting] enrollment Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
409		-
410		-	Public Act No. 24-78 13 of 43
411		-
412		-	standards.
413		-	Sec. 10. Section 10-264r of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes
414		-	is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July
415		-	1, 2024):
416		-	Not later than July 1, 2017, the Commissioner of Education shall
417		-	develop, and revise as necessary thereafter, reduced-isolation
418		-	enrollment standards for interdistrict magnet school programs that shall
419		-	serve as the enrollment requirements for purposes of section 10-264l, as
420		-	amended by this act. Such standards shall (1) comply with the decision
421		-	of Sheff v. O'Neill, 238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related stipulation or order
422		-	in effect, for an interdistrict magnet school program located in the Sheff
423		-	region, as defined in subsection (k) of section 10-264l, as amended by
424		-	this act, (2) define the term "reduced-isolation student" for purposes of
425		-	the standards, (3) establish a requirement for the minimum percentage
426		-	of reduced-isolation students that can be enrolled in an interdistrict
427		-	magnet school program, provided such minimum percentage is not less
428		-	than twenty per cent of the total school enrollment, (4) allow an
429		-	interdistrict magnet school program to have a total school enrollment of
430		-	reduced-isolation students that is not more than one per cent below the
431		-	minimum percentage established by the commissioner, provided the
432		-	commissioner approves a plan that is designed to bring the number of
433		-	reduced-isolation students of such interdistrict magnet school program
434		-	into compliance with the minimum percentage, and (5) for the school
435		-	year commencing July 1, 2018, authorize the commissioner to establish
436		-	on or before May 1, 2018, and revise as necessary thereafter, an
437		-	alternative reduced-isolation student enrollment percentage for an
438		-	interdistrict magnet school program located in the Sheff region,
439		-	provided the commissioner (A) determines that such alternative (i)
440		-	increases opportunities for students who are residents of Hartford to
441		-	access an educational setting with reduced racial isolation or other
442		-	categories of diversity, including, but not limited to, geography, Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
443		-
444		-	Public Act No. 24-78 14 of 43
445		-
446		-	socioeconomic status, special education, multilingual learners and
447		-	academic achievement, (ii) complies with the decision of Sheff v.
448		-	O'Neill, 238 Conn. 1 (1996), or any related stipulation or order in effect,
449		-	and (B) approves a plan for such interdistrict magnet school program
450		-	that is designed to bring the number of reduced-isolation students of
451		-	such interdistrict magnet school program into compliance with such
452		-	alternative or the minimum percentage described in subdivision (2) of
453		-	this section. Not later than May 1, 2018, the commissioner shall submit
454		-	a report on each alternative reduced-isolation student enrollment
455		-	percentage established, pursuant to subdivision (4) of this section, for
456		-	an interdistrict magnet school program located in the Sheff region to the
457		-	joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of
458		-	matters relating to education, in accordance with the provisions of
459		-	section 11-4a. The reduced-isolation [setting] enrollment standards for
460		-	interdistrict magnet school programs shall not be deemed to be
461		-	regulations, as defined in section 4-166.
462		-	Sec. 11. Subsection (b) of section 22-38d of the general statutes is
463		-	repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
464		-	2024):
465		-	(b) The Department of Education, in consultation with the
466		-	Department of Agriculture, school food service directors and interested
467		-	farming organizations, shall (1) establish a week-long promotional
468		-	event, to be known as Connecticut-Grown for Connecticut Kids Week,
469		-	in late September or early October each year, that will promote
470		-	Connecticut agriculture and foods to children through school meal and
471		-	classroom programs, at farms, farmers' markets and other locations in
472		-	the community, (2) encourage and solicit school districts, individual
473		-	schools and other educational institutions under its jurisdiction to
474		-	purchase Connecticut-grown farm products, (3) provide outreach,
475		-	guidance and training to districts, parent and teacher organizations,
476		-	schools and school food service directors concerning the value of and Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
477		-
478		-	Public Act No. 24-78 15 of 43
479		-
480		-	procedure for purchasing and incorporating into their regular menus
481		-	Connecticut-grown farm products, (4) in consultation with the
482		-	Department of Agriculture, arrange for local, regional and state-wide
483		-	events where potential purchasers and farmers can interact, and (5)
484		-	provide technical assistance and support for schools to arrange for
485		-	interaction between students and farmers, including field trips to farms
486		-	and in-school presentations by farmers.
487		-	Sec. 12. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 10-74o of the 2024
488		-	supplement to the general statutes are repealed and the following is
489		-	substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
490		-	(a) As used in this section and sections 10-74q and 10-74r, as amended
491		-	by this act:
492		-	(1) "Transition service" [means a service for a student who requires
493		-	special education that facilitates the student's transition from school to
494		-	postsecondary activities such as postsecondary education and training,
495		-	employment or independent living] has the same meaning as provided
496		-	in 34 CFR 300.43, as amended from time to time;
497		-	(2) "Transition resources" means sources of information, counseling
498		-	or training concerning transition services or programs;
499		-	(3) ["Public transition program"] "Transition program" means a
500		-	program [operated by a local or regional board of education or a
501		-	regional educational service center] to provide transition services as
502		-	recommended by the planning and placement team for a student who
503		-	requires special education and is eighteen to twenty-two years of age,
504		-	inclusive, based on the goals set forth in such student's individualized
505		-	education program; and
506		-	(4) "Transition coordinator" means a director of pupil personnel or
507		-	other person employed by a local or regional board of education, as
508		-	designated by such director, who assists parents and students in the Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
509		-
510		-	Public Act No. 24-78 16 of 43
511		-
512		-	school district governed by such board navigate the transition resources,
513		-	transition services and [public] transition programs operated by a local
514		-	or regional board of education or a regional educational service center
515		-	available for such students.
516		-	(b) The Department of Education shall employ a State-wide
517		-	Transition Services Coordinator within the Bureau of Special Education.
518		-	The State-wide Transition Services Coordinator shall (1) coordinate the
519		-	provision of transition resources, transition services and [public]
520		-	transition programs operated by a local or regional board of education
521		-	or a regional educational service center throughout the state in
522		-	collaboration with the liaisons appointed by other state agencies
523		-	pursuant to section 10-74m, as amended by this act, (2) establish
524		-	minimum standards for [public] transition programs operated by a local
525		-	or regional board of education or a regional educational service center
526		-	and metrics for measuring such standards, (3) perform [unannounced]
527		-	site visits of [public] transition programs operated by a local or regional
528		-	board of education or a regional educational service center for the
529		-	purpose of determining the effectiveness of and suggesting
530		-	improvements to such programs and post data on the department's
531		-	Internet web site related to how such [public] transition program
532		-	measured against the minimum standards established pursuant to
533		-	subdivision (2) of this subsection, except the State-wide Transition
534		-	Services Coordinator or the Department of Education may perform any
535		-	necessary unannounced site visit of such transition programs in
536		-	addition to the site visits described in this subdivision, (4) develop and
537		-	make available on the department's Internet web site a course for
538		-	educators and school staff who do not provide transition services to
539		-	inform such educators and staff about transition services and programs,
540		-	including, but not limited to, about the purpose, essential programming
541		-	and deadlines of such programs, (5) establish minimum standards for
542		-	the training of transition coordinators and maintain a record of each
543		-	transition coordinator completing the training program developed by Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
544		-
545		-	Public Act No. 24-78 17 of 43
546		-
547		-	the Department of Education pursuant to section 10-74r, as amended by
548		-	this act, and (6) establish best practices for the provision of transition
549		-	services and distribute such best practices to each transition coordinator.
550		-	Sec. 13. Section 10-74m of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes
551		-	is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July
552		-	1, 2024):
553		-	(a) The Department of Education shall enter into memoranda of
554		-	understanding with the Office of Early Childhood and the Departments
555		-	of Developmental Services, Aging and Disability Services, Children and
556		-	Families, Social Services and Correction regarding the provision of
557		-	special education and related services to children, including, but not
558		-	limited to, education, health care, transition resources, transition
559		-	services and [public] transition programs, as those terms are defined in
560		-	section 10-74o, as amended by this act. Such memoranda of
561		-	understanding shall account for current programs and services, utilize
562		-	best practices and be updated or renewed at least every five years.
563		-	(b) The Office of Early Childhood and the Departments of
564		-	Developmental Services, Aging and Disability Services, Children and
565		-	Families, Social Services and Correction shall, as necessary, enter into
566		-	memoranda of understanding regarding the provision of special
567		-	education and related services to children as such services relate to one
568		-	another. Such memoranda of understanding shall account for current
569		-	programs and services, utilize best practices and be updated or renewed
570		-	at least every five years.
571		-	(c) The Office of Early Childhood and the Departments of
572		-	Developmental Services, Aging and Disability Services, Children and
573		-	Families, the Labor Department, Mental Health and Addiction Services,
574		-	Public Health, Social Services and Correction shall each appoint an
575		-	employee to act as a liaison to the Department of Education's State-wide
576		-	Transition Services Coordinator, established pursuant to section 10-74o, Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
577		-
578		-	Public Act No. 24-78 18 of 43
579		-
580		-	as amended by this act. Each liaison shall provide information and
581		-	advice to such coordinator concerning the transition resources,
582		-	transition services and [public] transition programs provided by the
583		-	agency such liaison represents.
584		-	Sec. 14. Subsection (a) of section 10-74n of the 2024 supplement to the
585		-	general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
586		-	thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
587		-	(a) The [State Education Resource Center, established pursuant to
588		-	section 10-357a] Department of Education's State-wide Transition
589		-	Services Coordinator, established pursuant to section 10-74o, as
590		-	amended by this act, in collaboration with the [Departments of
591		-	Education, Developmental Services, Social Services and Aging and
592		-	Disability Services and the Offices of Workforce Strategy and Policy and
593		-	Management] liaisons appointed by other state agencies pursuant to
594		-	section 10-74m, as amended by this act, shall: (1) Develop and maintain
595		-	an easily accessible and navigable online listing of the transition
596		-	resources, transition services and [public] transition programs, as those
597		-	terms are defined in section 10-74o, as amended by this act, provided by
598		-	each such [center, department or office] state agency, including, but not
599		-	limited to, for each resource, service and program (A) a plain language
600		-	description, (B) eligibility requirements, and (C) application deadlines
601		-	and instructions, and (2) annually collect information related to
602		-	transition resources, programs and services provided by other state
603		-	agencies. The Departments of Aging and Disability Services,
604		-	Developmental Services, [and] Social Services, Children and Families,
605		-	Mental Health and Addiction Services, Public Health and Correction,
606		-	the Labor Department and the Office of [Policy and Management] Early
607		-	Childhood shall each post a link to such online listing on an easily
608		-	accessible location of said departments' Internet web sites.
609		-	Sec. 15. Subsection (a) of section 10-74r of the 2024 supplement to the
610		-	general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
611		-
612		-	Public Act No. 24-78 19 of 43
613		-
614		-	thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
615		-	(a) Not later than January 1, 2024, each local and regional board of
616		-	education shall ensure that a transition coordinator has been
617		-	designated, who may be the director of pupil personnel or another
618		-	employee of such board appointed as transition coordinator by such
619		-	director. Each transition coordinator shall (1) complete the training
620		-	program developed by the Department of Education pursuant to
621		-	subsection (a) of section 10-74q, provided (A) each transition
622		-	coordinator appointed prior to the date upon which the training
623		-	program commences shall complete such training program during the
624		-	three-year period immediately following such date, and (B) each new
625		-	transition coordinator appointed after such date shall complete such
626		-	training program not later than one year after being appointed, and (2)
627		-	ensure that parents of students requiring special education receive
628		-	information concerning transition resources, transition services or
629		-	[public] transition programs in accordance with section 10-74n, as
630		-	amended by this act, and are aware of the eligibility requirements and
631		-	application details of such resources, services and programs that
632		-	specifically apply to such student.
633		-	Sec. 16. Subparagraph (B) of subdivision (9) of subsection (a) of
634		-	section 10-76d of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes is repealed
635		-	and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
636		-	(B) At the first planning and placement team meeting when a child
637		-	reaches the age of fourteen and has a statement of transition service
638		-	needs included in such child's individualized education program
639		-	pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, the planning and
640		-	placement team shall, for each [public] transition program, as defined
641		-	in section 10-74o, as amended by this act, operated by the local or
642		-	regional board of education or the regional educational service center
643		-	where the board is located and each program for [adults] adult services
644		-	for which such child may be eligible after graduation, (i) upon the Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
645		-
646		-	Public Act No. 24-78 20 of 43
647		-
648		-	approval of the parent or guardian of such child, or a surrogate parent
649		-	of such child appointed pursuant to section 10-94g, or such child if such
650		-	child is an emancipated minor, notify the state agency that provides
651		-	such program about the potential eligibility of such child, and (ii)
652		-	provide such parent, guardian, surrogate parent or child a listing of such
653		-	programs that includes, but is not limited to, (I) a plain language
654		-	description of such program, (II) eligibility requirements for such
655		-	program, and (III) deadlines and instructions for applications for such
656		-	programs.
657		-	Sec. 17. Subsection (b) of section 10-95i of the general statutes is
658		-	repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
659		-	2024):
660		-	(b) During the five-year period beginning January 1, 2020, and during
661		-	each five-year period thereafter, the board shall evaluate each existing
662		-	technical education and career school trade program in accordance with
663		-	a schedule which the board shall establish. A trade program may be
664		-	reauthorized for a period of not more than five years following each
665		-	evaluation on the basis of: The projected employment demand for
666		-	students enrolled in the trade program, including consideration of the
667		-	employment of graduates of the program during the preceding five
668		-	years; anticipated technological changes; the availability of qualified
669		-	instructors; the existence of similar programs at other educational
670		-	institutions; and student interest in the trade program. As part of the
671		-	evaluation, the board shall consider geographic differences that may
672		-	make a trade program feasible at one school and not another and
673		-	whether certain combinations of program offerings shall be required.
674		-	Prior to any final decision on the reauthorization of a trade program, the
675		-	board shall consult with the [craft] program advisory committees for the
676		-	trade program being evaluated.
677		-	Sec. 18. Section 10-95j of the general statutes is repealed and the
678		-	following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024): Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
679		-
680		-	Public Act No. 24-78 21 of 43
681		-
682		-	The Technical Education and Career System board shall include in
683		-	the report required pursuant to section 10-95k, a summary of the
684		-	following:
685		-	(1) Admissions policies for the Technical Education and Career
686		-	System;
687		-	(2) Recruitment and retention of faculty;
688		-	(3) Efforts to strengthen consideration of the needs of and to develop
689		-	greater public awareness of the Technical Education and Career System;
690		-	and
691		-	(4) Efforts to strengthen the role of [career and technical education]
692		-	program advisory committees and increase employer participation.
693		-	Sec. 19. Section 10-96c of the general statutes is repealed and the
694		-	following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
695		-	The executive director of the Technical Education and Career System
696		-	may indemnify and hold harmless any person, as defined in section 1-
697		-	79, who makes a gift of tangible property or properties with a fair
698		-	market value in excess of one thousand dollars to the Technical
699		-	Education and Career System for instructional purposes. Any
700		-	indemnification under this section shall be solely for any damages
701		-	caused as a result of the use of such tangible property, provided there
702		-	shall be no indemnification for any liability resulting from (1)
703		-	intentional or wilful misconduct by the person providing such tangible
704		-	property to [the department or] the Technical Education and Career
705		-	System, or (2) hidden defects in such tangible property that are known
706		-	to and not disclosed by the person providing such tangible property to
707		-	[the department or] the Technical Education and Career System at the
708		-	time the gift is made.
709		-	Sec. 20. Section 10-66p of the general statutes is repealed and the Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
710		-
711		-	Public Act No. 24-78 22 of 43
712		-
713		-	following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
714		-	(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 4-98, 4-212 to 4-219,
715		-	inclusive, 4a-51 and 4a-57, the Commissioner of Education may allocate
716		-	funds to allow regional educational service centers and state education
717		-	organizations to provide professional development services, technical
718		-	assistance and evaluation activities to local and regional boards of
719		-	education, state charter schools, technical education and career schools,
720		-	school readiness providers and other educational entities, as
721		-	determined by the commissioner. Regional educational service centers
722		-	and state education organizations shall expend such funds in
723		-	accordance with procedures and conditions prescribed by the
724		-	commissioner. For purposes of this [section] subsection, state education
725		-	organizations may include, but not be limited to, organizations or
726		-	associations representing superintendents, boards of education and
727		-	elementary and secondary schools.
728		-	(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 4-98, 4-212 to 4-219,
729		-	inclusive, 4a-51 and 4a-57, the executive director of the Technical
730		-	Education and Career System may allocate funds to allow regional
731		-	educational service centers to provide professional development
732		-	services, technical assistance, special education services and evaluation
733		-	activities to technical education and career schools, as determined by the
734		-	executive director. Regional educational service centers shall expend
735		-	such funds in accordance with procedures and conditions prescribed by
736		-	the executive director.
737		-	Sec. 21. Section 10-95 of the general statutes is repealed and the
738		-	following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
739		-	There is established a state-wide system of technical education and
740		-	career schools to be known as the Technical Education and Career
741		-	System. The Technical Education and Career System shall offer (1) full-
742		-	time comprehensive secondary education at technical high schools Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
743		-
744		-	Public Act No. 24-78 23 of 43
745		-
746		-	located throughout the state, and [may offer] (2) part-time, [and]
747		-	evening [,] and extracurricular programs in vocational, technical,
748		-	technological and postsecondary education and training.
749		-	Sec. 22. Section 10-95p of the general statutes is repealed and the
750		-	following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
751		-	(a) There is established a division of postsecondary educational
752		-	programs within the Technical Education and Career System. The
753		-	division shall administer any postsecondary educational program that
754		-	(1) was offered at a technical education and career school during the
755		-	school year commencing July 1, 2016, or (2) is approved by the Technical
756		-	Education and Career System board. [on or after July 5, 2017.]
757		-	(b) Any student admitted for enrollment in a postsecondary
758		-	educational program administered by the division shall have a high
759		-	school diploma or its equivalent, or [be twenty-one years of age or older]
760		-	have completed the school year in which such student reaches twenty-
761		-	two years of age.
762		-	Sec. 23. Section 10-76q of the general statutes is repealed and the
763		-	following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
764		-	(a) The Technical Education and Career System, established pursuant
765		-	to section 10-95, as amended by this act, shall: (1) Provide the
766		-	professional services necessary to identify, in accordance with section
767		-	10-76a, children requiring special education who are enrolled at a
768		-	technical education and career school; (2) identify each such child; (3)
769		-	determine the appropriateness of the technical education and career
770		-	school for the educational needs of each such child; (4) provide an
771		-	appropriate educational program for each such child, including, but not
772		-	limited to, providing and funding transition programs, as defined in
773		-	section 10-74o, as amended by this act; (5) maintain a record thereof; and
774		-	(6) annually evaluate the progress and accomplishments of special Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
775		-
776		-	Public Act No. 24-78 24 of 43
777		-
778		-	education programs provided by the Technical Education and Career
779		-	System.
780		-	(b) Where it is deemed appropriate that a child enrolled in a technical
781		-	education and career school receive special education, the parents or
782		-	guardian of such child shall have a right to the hearing and appeal
783		-	process as provided for in section 10-76h.
784		-	(c) Prior to a student's enrollment in a technical education and career
785		-	school, the local or regional board of education for the town in which
786		-	such student resides shall convene a planning and placement team
787		-	meeting, except the planning and placement team meeting for a student
788		-	who has been educated in a home shall be convened by the Technical
789		-	Education and Career System. The purpose of such meeting shall be to
790		-	address such student's transition to such technical education and career
791		-	school and ensure that such student's individualized education
792		-	program reflects the current supports and services that such student
793		-	requires in order to access a free and appropriate public education in the
794		-	least restrictive environment. A representative from such technical
795		-	education and career school shall be invited to such meeting.
796		-	Sec. 24. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) As used in this section and
797		-	sections 25 to 32, inclusive, of this act:
798		-	(1) "Accredited" means an early care and education program (A)
799		-	accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young
800		-	Children, National Association for Family Child Care or other
801		-	nationally recognized accreditations or certifications as approved by the
802		-	commissioner, or (B) that has received Early Head Start or Head Start
803		-	federal approval;
804		-	(2) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Early Childhood;
805		-	and
806		-	(3) "Office" means the Office of Early Childhood. Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
807		-
808		-	Public Act No. 24-78 25 of 43
809		-
810		-	Sec. 25. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) The Office of Early Childhood
811		-	shall operate and administer Early Start CT in order to provide state
812		-	funding to early care and education programs throughout the state and
813		-	coordinate and facilitate the efficient delivery of such early care and
814		-	education programs for eligible children. Under Early Start CT, the
815		-	office shall:
816		-	(1) Provide open access for infants and toddlers and preschool-age
817		-	children to high-quality early care and education programs that
818		-	promote the health and safety of children and prepare them for school;
819		-	(2) Provide opportunities for parents to choose among affordable and
820		-	accredited early care and education programs;
821		-	(3) Encourage coordination and cooperation among early care and
822		-	education programs and prevent the duplication of services;
823		-	(4) Identify the specific service needs and unique resources available
824		-	to particular municipalities;
825		-	(5) Prevent or minimize the potential for developmental delay in
826		-	children prior to their reaching the age of five;
827		-	(6) Strengthen the family through: (A) Encouragement of family
828		-	engagement and partnership in a child's development and education,
829		-	and (B) enhancement of a family's capacity to meet the special needs of
830		-	the children, including children with disabilities;
831		-	(7) Reduce educational costs by decreasing the need for special
832		-	education services for school-age children;
833		-	(8) Assure that children with disabilities are integrated into early care
834		-	and education programs available to children who do not have
835		-	disabilities;
836		-	(9) Improve the availability and quality of Early Start CT programs Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
837		-
838		-	Public Act No. 24-78 26 of 43
839		-
840		-	and their coordination with the services of child care providers;
841		-	(10) Facilitate the racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of the
842		-	children, families and staff in early care and education programs; and
843		-	(11) Maximize local and federal early care and education funding to
844		-	expand capacity and access.
845		-	Sec. 26. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As part of Early Start CT, the
846		-	state, acting by and in the discretion of the Commissioner of Early
847		-	Childhood, may enter into direct or third-party contracts to provide
848		-	financial assistance to municipalities, local and regional boards of
849		-	education, regional educational service centers, family resource centers,
850		-	Head Start programs, preschool programs, nonprofit organizations,
851		-	child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, as
852		-	such terms are described in section 19a-77 of the general statutes, and
853		-	any other programs that meet standards established by the
854		-	commissioner for the purpose of operating early care and education
855		-	programs that focus on providing early childhood services based on
856		-	economic, social or environmental conditions, including in regions with
857		-	insufficient access to child care. At least sixty per cent of the eligible
858		-	children enrolled in an early care and education program receiving
859		-	financial assistance under Early Start CT shall be members of a family
860		-	that is at or below seventy-five per cent of the state median income. No
861		-	such financial assistance shall be available to (1) any such child care
862		-	center, group child care home or family child care home unless such
863		-	center or home has been licensed by the Commissioner of Early
864		-	Childhood pursuant to section 19a-80 or 19a-87b of the general statutes,
865		-	as amended by this act, or (2) any such local or regional board of
866		-	education or regional educational service center unless the preschool
867		-	program is approved by the Department of Education. The
868		-	commissioner shall ensure that the majority of such early care and
869		-	education programs receiving such financial assistance shall serve
870		-	children that reside in or attend early care and education programs Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
871		-
872		-	Public Act No. 24-78 27 of 43
873		-
874		-	located in priority school districts pursuant to section 10-266p of the
875		-	general statutes, former priority school districts or towns with schools
876		-	deemed severe need schools because forty per cent or more of the
877		-	lunches served are served to students who are eligible for free or
878		-	reduced price lunches pursuant to federal law. In determining whether
879		-	to enter into a contract for financial assistance under this section, the
880		-	commissioner may consider (A) a community's participation in the
881		-	state's subsidized child care subsidy program established pursuant to
882		-	section 17b-749 of the general statutes, and (B) the Centers for Disease
883		-	Control and Prevention's social vulnerability index determined by
884		-	census tract.
885		-	(b) Any contract for financial assistance entered into under this
886		-	section shall be contingent upon available funding and a successful
887		-	application submitted to the office and which has been informed by the
888		-	appropriate local or regional governance partner's needs assessment
889		-	and community plan, as described in section 27 of this act.
890		-	(c) The office, in operating and administering Early Start CT, may
891		-	allocate an amount up to ten per cent of the total financial assistance
892		-	under the contract with each local or regional governance partner
893		-	established pursuant to section 27 of this act, but not more than one
894		-	hundred fifty thousand dollars, for coordination, program evaluation
895		-	and administration. Such amount shall be increased by an amount equal
896		-	to local funding provided for early childhood education coordination,
897		-	program evaluation and administration, not to exceed fifty thousand
898		-	dollars. Each local or regional governance partner shall designate a staff
899		-	person to be responsible for such coordination, program evaluation and
900		-	administration and to act as a liaison between the town or towns and
901		-	the commissioner.
902		-	(d) Any early care and education program receiving financial
903		-	assistance under Early Start CT shall not discriminate based on ancestry,
904		-	race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
905		-
906		-	Public Act No. 24-78 28 of 43
907		-
908		-	orientation, religion, learning, physical, intellectual or mental disability
909		-	or any other protected class described in chapter 814c of the general
910		-	statutes.
911		-	(e) No financial assistance received as part of Early Start CT under
912		-	this section shall be used to supplant federal, state or local funding
913		-	received for early care and education on behalf of children in an early
914		-	care and education program.
915		-	(f) (1) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the office may pay, in
916		-	an individual contract entered into under this section, a per-child rate
917		-	or an amount per classroom that has been determined by the
918		-	commissioner. (A) The per-child rate paid by the office under this
919		-	section for each eligible child enrolled in a program under Early Start
920		-	CT who is three or four years of age and each child who is five years of
921		-	age and not eligible to enroll in school, pursuant to section 10-15c of the
922		-	general statutes, shall be at least ten thousand five hundred dollars for
923		-	each such child. The amount per classroom for such children described
924		-	in this subparagraph shall be at an equivalent rate per child multiplied
925		-	by the total capacity of the classroom as determined by the
926		-	commissioner on a case by case basis and established in the contract. (B)
927		-	The per-child rate paid by the office under this section for each eligible
928		-	child enrolled in a program under Early Start CT who is under the age
929		-	of three and enrolled in an infant or toddler classroom and not in a
930		-	preschool classroom shall be at least thirteen thousand five hundred
931		-	dollars for each such child. The amount per classroom for such children
932		-	described in this subparagraph shall be at an equivalent rate per child
933		-	multiplied by the total capacity of the classroom as determined by the
934		-	commissioner on a case by case basis and established in the contract.
935		-	(2) For purposes of implementing the provisions of this subsection,
936		-	the commissioner shall develop policies and procedures governing
937		-	classroom sizes, payments and required enrollment rates. The
938		-	commissioner shall use data-driven, outcomes-based contract Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
939		-
940		-	Public Act No. 24-78 29 of 43
941		-
942		-	provisions to facilitate and incentivize full enrollment.
943		-	(g) The office may use up to three per cent of funds allocated to the
944		-	early care and education appropriation to evaluate program
945		-	effectiveness and impact on participating children, families and
946		-	programs, including, but not limited to, child outcomes, later school
947		-	performance, quality standards, professional development and
948		-	preparation, and parent engagement impact.
949		-	(h) Any Early Start CT facility that has been approved to operate an
950		-	early care or education program financed through the Connecticut
951		-	Health and Education Facilities Authority and has received a
952		-	commitment for debt service from the Department of Social Services,
953		-	pursuant to section 17b-749i of the general statutes, on or before June 30,
954		-	2014, and on or after July 1, 2014, from the office shall be exempt from
955		-	the requirement for issuance of requests for proposals.
956		-	Sec. 27. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) There shall be established,
957		-	within available appropriations, local or regional governance partners
958		-	to assist in the provision of early care and education in a community
959		-	under Early Start CT. A town or school district and appropriate
960		-	representatives of groups or entities interested in early care and
961		-	education in such town or school district may establish a local
962		-	governance partner. Two or more towns or school districts and
963		-	appropriate representatives of groups or entities interested in early care
964		-	and education in a region may establish a regional governance partner.
965		-	(b) The membership of each local or regional governance partner
966		-	shall reflect the racial, ethnic and socioeconomic composition of the
967		-	town or region it serves and consist of early care and education
968		-	stakeholders, including, but not limited to, elected and appointed
969		-	officials, parents, representatives with expertise in early care and
970		-	education, a representative, where applicable, of Smart Start established
971		-	pursuant to section 10-506 of the general statutes, as amended by this Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
972		-
973		-	Public Act No. 24-78 30 of 43
974		-
975		-	act, local education and healthcare providers in the community, a local
976		-	homeless education liaison, community representatives from a
977		-	workforce or job training entity and other community representatives
978		-	who provide services to children.
979		-	(c) The role and responsibilities of a local or regional governance
980		-	partner shall include, but are not limited to, (1) conducting and
981		-	administering a data-driven needs assessment for its respective
982		-	community or region in accordance with the provisions of subsection
983		-	(d) of this section, (2) employing strategies to solicit parental
984		-	engagement and membership, (3) providing periodic technical
985		-	assistance regarding best practices in early care and education and
986		-	family engagement for its town or region, (4) jointly sponsoring with the
987		-	office, professional development opportunities, and (5) ensuring that
988		-	community outreach is regularly conducted and maintained with
989		-	community stakeholders.
990		-	(d) Each local or regional governance partner shall, within available
991		-	appropriations, conduct a data-driven needs assessment for the town or
992		-	region in which such partner serves. Such needs assessment may
993		-	include recommendations for the preferred distribution and allocation
994		-	of child care spaces within such partner's respective town or region, and,
995		-	subject to the office's approval, may include a data-driven methodology
996		-	to reassign child care spaces before the contract date has lapsed. Such
997		-	needs assessment shall be created by the office in collaboration with
998		-	communities and shall directly inform, among other things, the
999		-	assignment of child care spaces across a mixed-delivery system,
1000		-	including, but not limited to, licensed family child care homes, group
1001		-	child care homes, child care centers and license-exempt public schools.
1002		-	(e) Each local or regional governance partner shall employ a staff
1003		-	liaison to aid and support the local or regional governance partner in
1004		-	implementing the provisions of this section. Each staff liaison shall
1005		-	ensure (1) that partnerships are established and fostered among child Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1006		-
1007		-	Public Act No. 24-78 31 of 43
1008		-
1009		-	care providers, (2) that cooperation is maintained with the Office of
1010		-	Early Childhood in monitoring and evaluating early care and education
1011		-	programs, (3) that existing and potential resources and services
1012		-	available to children and families are identified, (4) facilitation and
1013		-	coordination of efficient, data-driven, delivery of services to children
1014		-	and families, including (A) referral procedures, and (B) before and after
1015		-	school child care for children attending school day, school year
1016		-	programs, (5) the exchange of information with other community
1017		-	organizations serving the needs of children and families, (6) that
1018		-	recommendations are made to school officials concerning transition
1019		-	from child care programs to preschool programs and kindergarten, (7)
1020		-	that effective community engagement strategies are employed to ensure
1021		-	diverse participation, (8) that biannual child assessments, approved by
1022		-	the office, are performed at programs, and conducted in partnership
1023		-	with families, and (9) collaboration with the office related to planning
1024		-	improvements to the state early care and education governance
1025		-	structure.
1026		-	(f) The office shall monitor each local or regional governance partner
1027		-	to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section.
1028		-	Sec. 28. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) The Office of Early Childhood
1029		-	shall establish a sliding fee scale for families that are enrolled in an early
1030		-	care and education program under Early Start CT. Such sliding scale
1031		-	shall be based on family income and be consistent with the sliding fee
1032		-	scale used in the child care subsidy program described in section 17b-
1033		-	249 of the general statutes.
1034		-	Sec. 29. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) Except as otherwise provided
1035		-	in subsection (b) of this section, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025,
1036		-	and each fiscal year thereafter, if funds appropriated to the Office of
1037		-	Early Childhood for Early Start CT are not expended by the
1038		-	Commissioner of Early Childhood, an amount up to two million dollars
1039		-	of such unexpended funds may be available (1) for the provision of Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1040		-
1041		-	Public Act No. 24-78 32 of 43
1042		-
1043		-	professional development for early care and education program
1044		-	providers, and staff employed in such programs, provided such
1045		-	programs are receiving financial assistance under Early Start CT for
1046		-	infant, toddler and preschool slots, or (2) to support early care and
1047		-	education programs in satisfying the designated qualified staff member
1048		-	requirements described in section 31 of this act, provided such programs
1049		-	receive financial assistance under Early Start CT. The commissioner
1050		-	shall determine how such unexpended funds shall be distributed.
1051		-	(b) If any unexpended funds described in subsection (a) of this section
1052		-	are not expended by the office under said subsection, the commissioner,
1053		-	with the consent of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and
1054		-	Management, may use such unexpended funds to provide support for
1055		-	purposes that include, but are not limited to, (1) assisting early care and
1056		-	education programs in meeting and maintaining accreditation
1057		-	requirements, (2) providing training in implementing preschool
1058		-	assessments and curricula, including training to enhance literacy
1059		-	teaching skills, (3) developing and implementing best practices for
1060		-	parents in supporting preschool and kindergarten student learning, (4)
1061		-	developing and implementing strategies for children to successfully
1062		-	transition to preschool and from preschool to kindergarten, including
1063		-	through parental engagement and whole-family supports that may be
1064		-	utilized through the two-generational initiative, established pursuant to
1065		-	section 17b-112l of the general statutes, or through other available
1066		-	resources, and (5) providing for professional development.
1067		-	Sec. 30. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) Any early care and education
1068		-	program receiving financial assistance under Early Start CT, including,
1069		-	but not limited to, licensed family child care homes, group child care
1070		-	homes, child care centers and other licensed exempt child care providers
1071		-	and settings, shall be accredited not later than three years after entering
1072		-	into a contract with the Office of Early Childhood under Early Start CT
1073		-	pursuant to section 26 of this act. Any such program that is not Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1074		-
1075		-	Public Act No. 24-78 33 of 43
1076		-
1077		-	accredited shall have an approved program plan not later than twelve
1078		-	months after entering into a contract with the office.
1079		-	Sec. 31. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As used in this section:
1080		-	(1) "Office of Early Childhood funded early care and education
1081		-	program" means an early care and education program that accepts state
1082		-	funds directly from the office or indirectly through office
1083		-	subcontractors, for any combination of infant, toddler, preschool and
1084		-	before and after school, but does not include the child care subsidy
1085		-	program established pursuant to section 17b-749 of the general statutes.
1086		-	(2) "Designated staff member" means the person assigned the
1087		-	primary responsibility for a classroom of children in an Office of Early
1088		-	Childhood funded early care and education program.
1089		-	(3) "Designated qualified staff member" means a designated staff
1090		-	member who possesses at least one of the following:
1091		-	(A) A bachelor's degree or higher with a concentration in early
1092		-	childhood education from an institution of higher education that is (i)
1093		-	regionally accredited and accredited by the National Association for the
1094		-	Education of Young Children, (ii) regionally accredited and working
1095		-	toward achieving accreditation from the National Association for the
1096		-	Education of Young Children, or (iii) regionally accredited;
1097		-	(B) A certificate issued pursuant to section 10-145b of the general
1098		-	statutes with an endorsement in early childhood education or early
1099		-	childhood special education;
1100		-	(C) Deemed to meet the bachelor's degree requirements by the office
1101		-	without a concentration in early childhood education, but with at least
1102		-	twelve early childhood credits from an institution of higher education
1103		-	that is regionally accredited; Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1104		-
1105		-	Public Act No. 24-78 34 of 43
1106		-
1107		-	(D) A bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education that
1108		-	is regionally accredited, without a concentration in early childhood
1109		-	education, but with at least twelve applicable early childhood credits as
1110		-	determined by the office;
1111		-	(E) Permission from the office if such designated staff member is
1112		-	enrolled in an institution of higher education and engaged in and
1113		-	making progress in an early childhood planned program of study
1114		-	leading to an early childhood bachelor's degree.
1115		-	(b) When a bachelor's degree designated qualified staff member is not
1116		-	assigned, a person may be deemed a designated qualified staff member
1117		-	if such person possesses at least one of the qualifications included in
1118		-	subsection (c) of this section and is under the supervision of an on-site
1119		-	bachelor's degree designated qualified staff member, except any family
1120		-	child care home provider that accepts state funds shall meet the
1121		-	designated qualified staff member qualifications.
1122		-	(c) When a bachelor's degree designated qualified staff member
1123		-	supervises an associate degree designated qualified staff member, the
1124		-	person possessing a bachelor's degree may supervise such associate
1125		-	degree designated qualified staff member at an off-site location. The
1126		-	associate degree designated qualified staff member, under the
1127		-	supervision of a bachelor's degree qualified staff member, shall possess
1128		-	at least one of the following:
1129		-	(1) An associate degree or higher with a concentration in early
1130		-	childhood education from an institution of higher education that is (i)
1131		-	regionally accredited and accredited by the National Association for the
1132		-	Education of Young Children, (ii) regionally accredited and working
1133		-	toward achieving accreditation from the National Association for the
1134		-	Education of Young Children, or (iii) regionally accredited;
1135		-	(2) Deemed to meet the associate degree requirements by the office Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1136		-
1137		-	Public Act No. 24-78 35 of 43
1138		-
1139		-	without a concentration in early childhood education, but with at least
1140		-	twelve early childhood credits from an institution of higher education
1141		-	that is regionally accredited;
1142		-	(3) An associate degree from an institution of higher education that is
1143		-	regionally accredited, without a concentration in early childhood
1144		-	education, but with at least twelve applicable early childhood credits as
1145		-	determined by the office;
1146		-	(4) Permission from the office if such associate degree designated
1147		-	qualified staff member is enrolled in an institution of higher education
1148		-	and engaged in an early childhood planned program of study leading
1149		-	to an early childhood associate degree.
1150		-	(d) (1) From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, inclusive, twenty-five per
1151		-	cent of the designated staff members at each Office of Early Childhood
1152		-	funded early childhood education program shall be designated
1153		-	qualified staff members meeting one of the criteria at the bachelor's
1154		-	degree level. If the Office of Early Childhood funded early care and
1155		-	education program is a family child care home, the designated qualified
1156		-	staff member for such family child care home shall have achieved or be
1157		-	working toward an early childhood associate degree or bachelor's
1158		-	degree.
1159		-	(2) From July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2030, inclusive, fifty per cent of the
1160		-	designated qualified members at each Office of Early Childhood funded
1161		-	early childhood education program shall be designated qualified staff
1162		-	members meeting one of the criteria at the bachelor's degree level. If the
1163		-	Office of Early Childhood funded early care and education program is
1164		-	a family child care home, the designated qualified staff member for such
1165		-	family child care home shall have achieved or be working toward an
1166		-	early childhood associate degree or bachelor's degree.
1167		-	(3) On and after July 1, 2030, sixty per cent of the designated qualified Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1168		-
1169		-	Public Act No. 24-78 36 of 43
1170		-
1171		-	members at each Office of Early Childhood funded child care program
1172		-	shall be designated qualified staff members meeting one of the criteria
1173		-	at the bachelor's degree level. If the Office of Early Childhood funded
1174		-	early care and education program is a family child care home, the
1175		-	designated qualified staff member for such family child care home shall
1176		-	have achieved or be working toward an early childhood associate
1177		-	degree or bachelor's degree.
1178		-	Sec. 32. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2025) (a) As part of Early Start CT, the
1179		-	Commissioner of Early Childhood shall establish a state-funded
1180		-	competitive program in which contracts are entered into with nonprofit
1181		-	agencies and local and regional boards of education, which are federal
1182		-	Head Start grant recipients, to assist in (1) establishing extended-day
1183		-	and full-day, year-round, Head Start programs or expanding existing
1184		-	Head Start programs to extended-day or full-day, year-round
1185		-	programs, (2) enhancing program quality, (3) increasing the number of
1186		-	children served in those programs that are both Head Start and Early
1187		-	Head Start grant recipients or delegates, (4) increasing the number of
1188		-	Early Head Start children served above those who are federally funded,
1189		-	and (5) increasing the hours for children currently receiving Early Head
1190		-	Start services. Nonprofit agencies or boards of education seeking
1191		-	contracts pursuant to this section shall make application to the
1192		-	commissioner on such forms and at such times as the commissioner
1193		-	shall prescribe. The commissioner shall include contract provisions that
1194		-	mandate at least twenty-five per cent of the funding for such contracts
1195		-	shall be for the purpose of enhancing program quality. All contracts
1196		-	entered into under this section shall be funded within the limits of
1197		-	available appropriations or otherwise from federal funds and private
1198		-	donations. All Head Start programs funded pursuant to this section
1199		-	shall be in compliance with federal Head Start program performance
1200		-	standards.
1201		-	Sec. 33. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The Commissioner of Early Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1202		-
1203		-	Public Act No. 24-78 37 of 43
1204		-
1205		-	Childhood shall implement policies and procedures necessary to (1)
1206		-	administer the provisions of sections 24 to 32, inclusive, of this act, (2)
1207		-	implement infant and toddler and school-age ratios and group size
1208		-	requirements, and (3) implement head teacher staffing requirements for
1209		-	programs that serve only school-age children, while in the process of
1210		-	adopting such policies and procedures in regulation form.
1211		-	(b) Any existing regulations relating to infant and toddler and school-
1212		-	age ratios, group size requirements and head teacher staffing
1213		-	requirements for programs that serve only school-age children that are
1214		-	generally applicable to child care centers and group child care homes
1215		-	shall continue to be applicable to such centers and homes that serve
1216		-	infants and toddlers and school-age children until replaced and
1217		-	superseded by the policies and procedures described in this section.
1218		-	(c) The commissioner shall post notice of the intent to adopt
1219		-	regulations on the department's Internet web site and the eRegulations
1220		-	System not later than twenty days after the date of implementation of
1221		-	such policies and procedures. Such policies and procedures shall be
1222		-	valid until the time final regulations are adopted.
1223		-	Sec. 34. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2024) Notwithstanding the provisions
1224		-	of sections 4-98, 4-212 to 4-219, inclusive, 4a-51 and 4a-57 of the general
1225		-	statutes, the Commissioner of Early Childhood may, within available
1226		-	appropriations, allocate funds to regional educational service centers for
1227		-	the provision of professional development services, technical assistance
1228		-	and evaluation and program planning and implementation activities,
1229		-	local and regional boards of education, child care centers, group child
1230		-	care homes and family child care homes, as such terms are described in
1231		-	section 19a-77 of the general statutes, and other early childhood care and
1232		-	education entities, as determined by the commissioner. Any funds
1233		-	allocated by the commissioner under this section shall be expended in
1234		-	accordance with procedures and conditions prescribed by the
1235		-	commissioner. Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1236		-
1237		-	Public Act No. 24-78 38 of 43
1238		-
1239		-	Sec. 35. (Effective July 1, 2024) (a) For the fiscal year ending June 30,
1240		-	2025, the office may pay, in an individual contract entered into under
1241		-	sections 8-210, as amended by this act, and 10-16p of the general
1242		-	statutes, or a grant awarded pursuant to section 10-16n of the general
1243		-	statutes, as amended by this act, a per-child rate or an amount per
1244		-	classroom that has been determined by the commissioner. (1) The per-
1245		-	child rate paid by the office under this section for each eligible child
1246		-	enrolled in a program under Early Start CT who is three or four years of
1247		-	age and each child who is five years of age and not eligible to enroll in
1248		-	school, pursuant to section 10-15c of the general statutes, shall be at least
1249		-	ten thousand five hundred dollars for each such child. The amount per
1250		-	classroom for such children described in this subdivision shall be at an
1251		-	equivalent rate per child multiplied by the total capacity of the
1252		-	classroom as determined by the commissioner on a case by case basis
1253		-	and established in the contract. (2) The per-child rate paid by the office
1254		-	under this section for each eligible child enrolled in a program under
1255		-	Early Start CT who is under the age of three and enrolled in an infant or
1256		-	toddler classroom and not in a preschool classroom shall be at least
1257		-	thirteen thousand five hundred dollars for each such child. The amount
1258		-	per classroom for such children described in this subdivision shall be at
1259		-	an equivalent rate per child multiplied by the total capacity of the
1260		-	classroom as determined by the commissioner on a case by case basis
1261		-	and established in the contract.
1262		-	(b) For purposes of implementing the provisions of this section, the
1263		-	commissioner shall develop policies and procedures governing
1264		-	classroom sizes, payments and required enrollment rates. The
1265		-	commissioner shall use data-driven, outcomes-based contract
1266		-	provisions to facilitate and incentivize full enrollment.
1267		-	Sec. 36. Subsection (b) of section 8-210 of the 2024 supplement to the
1268		-	general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
1269		-	thereof (Effective July 1, 2024): Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1270		-
1271		-	Public Act No. 24-78 39 of 43
1272		-
1273		-	(b) The state, acting by and in the discretion of the Commissioner of
1274		-	Early Childhood, may enter into a contract with a municipality, a group
1275		-	child care home or family child care home, as described in section 19a-
1276		-	77, a human resource development agency or a nonprofit corporation
1277		-	for state financial assistance in developing and operating child care
1278		-	centers, group child care homes and family child care homes for
1279		-	children disadvantaged by reasons of economic, social or environmental
1280		-	conditions, provided no such financial assistance shall be available for
1281		-	the operating costs of any such child care center, group child care home
1282		-	or family child care home unless it has been licensed by the
1283		-	Commissioner of Early Childhood pursuant to section 19a-80. Such
1284		-	financial assistance shall be available for a program of a municipality, of
1285		-	a group child care home or family child care home, of a human resource
1286		-	development agency or of a nonprofit corporation which may provide
1287		-	for personnel, equipment, supplies, activities, program materials and
1288		-	renovation and remodeling of the physical facilities of such child care
1289		-	centers, group child care homes or family child care homes. Such
1290		-	contract shall provide for state financial assistance, within available
1291		-	appropriations, in the form of a state grant-in-aid (1) for a portion of the
1292		-	cost of such program, as determined by the Commissioner of Early
1293		-	Childhood, if not federally assisted, (2) equal to one-half of the amount
1294		-	by which the net cost of such program, as approved by the
1295		-	Commissioner of Early Childhood, exceeds the federal grant-in-aid
1296		-	thereof, or (3) (A) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, in an amount
1297		-	not less than [(A)] (i) the per child cost as described in subdivision (1) of
1298		-	subsection (b) of section 10-16q, as amended by this act, for each child
1299		-	in such program that is three or four years of age and each child that is
1300		-	five years of age who is not eligible to enroll in school, pursuant to
1301		-	section 10-15c, while maintaining services to children under three years
1302		-	of age under this section, and [(B)] (ii) thirteen thousand five hundred
1303		-	dollars for each child three years of age or under who is in infant or
1304		-	toddler care and not in a preschool program, and (B) for the fiscal year
1305		-	ending June 30, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of section 35 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1306		-
1307		-	Public Act No. 24-78 40 of 43
1308		-
1309		-	this act. Any such contract entered into on or after July 1, 2022, shall
1310		-	include a provision that at least sixty per cent of the children enrolled in
1311		-	such child care center, group child care home or family child care home
1312		-	are members of families who are at or below seventy-five per cent of the
1313		-	state median income. The Commissioner of Early Childhood may
1314		-	authorize child care centers, group child care homes and family child
1315		-	care homes receiving financial assistance under this subsection to apply
1316		-	a program surplus to the next program year. The Commissioner of Early
1317		-	Childhood shall consult with directors of child care centers in
1318		-	establishing fees for the operation of such centers. For the fiscal year
1319		-	ending June 30, 2023, the Commissioner of Early Childhood shall,
1320		-	within available appropriations, enter into contracts under this section
1321		-	for the purpose of expanding the number of spaces available to children
1322		-	three years of age or under who are in infant or toddler care and not in
1323		-	a preschool program.
1324		-	Sec. 37. Subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 10-16q of the 2024
1325		-	supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is
1326		-	substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
1327		-	(b) (1) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, the per child cost of
1328		-	the Office of Early Childhood school readiness program offered by a
1329		-	school readiness provider shall not exceed eight thousand nine hundred
1330		-	twenty-seven dollars. For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2021, to June
1331		-	30, 2024, inclusive, the per child cost of the Office of Early Childhood
1332		-	school readiness program offered by a school readiness provider shall
1333		-	not exceed nine thousand twenty-seven dollars. For the fiscal year
1334		-	ending June 30, 2025, the per child cost of the Office of Early Childhood
1335		-	full-time school readiness program offered by a school readiness
1336		-	provider shall [not exceed ten thousand five hundred dollars] be in
1337		-	accordance with the provisions of section 35 of this act.
1338		-	Sec. 38. Subsection (b) of section 10-16n of the general statutes is
1339		-	repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1340		-
1341		-	Public Act No. 24-78 41 of 43
1342		-
1343		-	2024):
1344		-	(b) The Office of Early Childhood shall annually allocate to each town
1345		-	in which the number of children under the temporary family assistance
1346		-	program, as defined in subdivision (17) of section 10-262f, equals or
1347		-	exceeds nine hundred children, (1) determined for the fiscal [year] years
1348		-	ending June 30, 1996, to June 30, 2024, inclusive, an amount equal to one
1349		-	hundred fifty thousand dollars plus eight and one-half dollars for each
1350		-	child under the temporary family assistance program, provided such
1351		-	amount may be reduced proportionately so that the total amount
1352		-	awarded pursuant to this subsection does not exceed two million seven
1353		-	hundred thousand dollars, and (2) for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1354		-	2025, an amount determined in accordance with the provisions of
1355		-	section 35 of this act. The office shall award grants to the local and
1356		-	regional boards of education for such towns and nonprofit agencies
1357		-	located in such towns which meet the criteria established pursuant to
1358		-	subsection (a) of this section to maintain the programs established or
1359		-	expanded with funds provided pursuant to this subsection in the fiscal
1360		-	years ending June 30, 1996, and June 30, 1997. Any funds remaining in
1361		-	the allocation to such a town after grants are so awarded shall be used
1362		-	to increase allocations to other such towns. Any funds remaining after
1363		-	grants are so awarded to boards of education and nonprofit agencies in
1364		-	all such towns shall be available to local and regional boards of
1365		-	education and nonprofit agencies in other towns in the state for grants
1366		-	for such purposes.
1367		-	Sec. 39. Subsection (l) of section 19a-87b of the 2024 supplement to the
1368		-	general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
1369		-	thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
1370		-	(l) For the fiscal [years] year ending June 30, 2022, [to June 30, 2026,
1371		-	inclusive] and each fiscal year thereafter, the Commissioner of Early
1372		-	Childhood may issue a license to maintain a family child care home [in
1373		-	New Britain, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford, Danbury or Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1374		-
1375		-	Public Act No. 24-78 42 of 43
1376		-
1377		-	Waterbury] anywhere in the state in accordance with the provisions of
1378		-	this chapter to a person or group of persons who have partnered with
1379		-	an association, organization, corporation, institution or agency, public
1380		-	or private, to provide child care services in a space provided by such
1381		-	association, organization, corporation, institution or agency, provided
1382		-	such space has been approved by the commissioner and is not in a
1383		-	private family home. The commissioner shall not approve more than
1384		-	twenty facilities throughout the state to be used for licenses issued
1385		-	under this subsection. The commissioner may approve more than one
1386		-	facility in each [such] city or town to be used for licenses issued under
1387		-	this subsection. An application for a license under this subsection shall
1388		-	include a copy of the current fire marshal certificate of compliance with
1389		-	the Fire Safety Code, and written verification of compliance with the
1390		-	State Building Code, local zoning and building requirements and local
1391		-	health ordinances. The commissioner may require an applicant for a
1392		-	license under this subsection to comply with additional conditions
1393		-	relating to the health and safety of the children who will be served in
1394		-	such facility. The commissioner may waive any requirement that does
1395		-	not apply to such facility. Any license issued under this subsection shall
1396		-	[expire on June 30, 2026] be for a term of four years, except that the
1397		-	commissioner may suspend or revoke any such license at any time in
1398		-	accordance with the provisions of section 19a-87e.
1399		-	Sec. 40. Subsection (a) of section 10-506 of the 2024 supplement to the
1400		-	general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
1401		-	thereof (Effective July 1, 2024):
1402		-	(a) For the fiscal year ending June 30, [2015] 2025, and each fiscal year
1403		-	thereafter, the Office of Early Childhood, in consultation with the
1404		-	Department of Education, shall design and administer the Connecticut
1405		-	Smart Start competitive grant program to provide grants to local and
1406		-	regional boards of education for capital and operating expenses related
1407		-	to establishing or expanding a preschool program under the jurisdiction Substitute Senate Bill No. 14
1408		-
1409		-	Public Act No. 24-78 43 of 43
1410		-
1411		-	of the board of education for the town. A local or regional board of
1412		-	education may submit an application to the office, in accordance with
1413		-	the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, and may receive (1) a
1414		-	grant for capital expenses in an amount not to exceed seventy-five
1415		-	thousand dollars per classroom for costs related to the renovation of an
1416		-	existing public school to accommodate the establishment or expansion
1417		-	of a preschool program, and (2) an annual grant for operating expenses
1418		-	(A) in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars per child served
1419		-	by such grant, or (B) in an amount not to exceed seventy-five thousand
1420		-	dollars for each preschool classroom. [, provided no town shall receive
1421		-	a total annual grant for operating expenses greater than three hundred
1422		-	thousand dollars.] Each local or regional board of education that
1423		-	establishes or expands a preschool program under this section shall be
1424		-	eligible to receive an annual grant for operating expenses for a period of
1425		-	five years, provided such preschool program meets standards
1426		-	established by the Commissioner of Early Childhood. Such local or
1427		-	regional board of education may submit an application for renewal of
1428		-	such grant to the office.
1429		-	Sec. 41. Sections 8-210, 10-16n to 10-16r, inclusive, 10-16t, 10-16u, 10-
1430		-	16aa, 10-520b, 17b-749a and 17b-749d of the general statutes are
1431		-	repealed. (Effective July 1, 2025)
	94	+	ED Joint Favorable Subst. C/R APP
	95	+	APP Joint Favorable Subst.
1432	96