Louisiana Senate Bill SCR76

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/13
• Refer: 5/13/13
• Report Pass: 5/15/13
• Passed: 5/16/13
• Engrossed: 5/20/13

Caption

Requests the Dept. of Education and the Dept. of Children and Family Services to determine the feasibility of developing an operational plan to transfer the Child Care Development Fund to the Department of Education.

Impact

The resolution acknowledges the existing framework established by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for implementing an Early Childhood Care and Education Network. This includes creating a transparent rating system for programs, facilitating funding based on performance, and providing necessary resources to improve early childhood education. By proposing to transfer authority over the Child Care Development Fund, SCR76 hints at a potential shift in how early childhood funding is managed and distributed, fostering a more cohesive approach among various state agencies involved in early childhood education.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 76 (SCR76) urges the Department of Education and the Department of Children and Family Services in Louisiana to explore the feasibility of transferring the Child Care Development Fund to the Department of Education. The primary aim is to enhance the quality of public early childhood education programs and ensure that these programs focus on preparing children for kindergarten, thus tackling the concerns around children's early education outcomes in the state. The resolution expresses that publicly funded programs should strive for high quality and accountability while ensuring that families have clear access to information regarding the performance of these programs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR76 is largely supportive, especially among advocates for early childhood education who view the potential integration as a necessary step toward improving educational outcomes for young children. The bill reflects a commitment to early learning and aligns with broader educational initiatives aimed at securing a brighter future for children in Louisiana. However, there may be concerns regarding how this transfer could impact the autonomy of early childhood programs currently administered by the Department of Children and Family Services.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve ensuring that the transfer of authority does not lead to increased regulation, which might stifle innovative educational approaches. Some stakeholders may worry about the implications of merging these functions under one department and how it might affect funding allocation and program management. Ultimately, the successful implementation of the proposed operational plan will hinge on effective collaboration among key agencies to maintain high standards in early childhood education while ensuring that programs remain accessible and responsive to community needs.