ENROLLED
2019 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 38
BY REPRESENTATIVE LYONS
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To urge and request the state Department of Education, the Louisiana Department of Health,
and the Department of Children and Family Services to continue to work
collaboratively to coordinate opportunities and access to early childhood programs
at the state and local levels.
WHEREAS, studies have demonstrated the value of investments in early childhood
programs that improve basic social, emotional, and cognitive skills of young children at the
earliest possible age; and
WHEREAS, research has shown that investment in high-quality early childhood
programs has an immediate economic development impact as well as long-term economic
benefits; and
WHEREAS, state entities involved in the oversight or provision of early childhood
programs should collaborate and integrate processes to the fullest extent possible and
administer early childhood programs in such a way that ensures the safety, welfare, and
healthy development of children; and
WHEREAS, R.S. 17:407.21 et seq., directs the State Board of Elementary and
Secondary Education to create a comprehensive and integrated network through which it
manages and oversees all programs funded through state or federal resources that provide
early childhood care or educational services; and
WHEREAS, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved a
framework to implement the Early Childhood Care and Education Network which was
developed in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Health, the Department of
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Children and Family Services, the Louisiana Early Childhood Advisory Council, the
Nonpublic Schools Council, and the Child Care Association of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the framework to implement the Early Childhood Care and Education
Network included the following:
(1) Funding based on performance and demand that ensures that all parents,
regardless of income, have access to higher quality programs that prepare their child for
success in school; and
(2) Clear and easy-to-understand information that allows families to make informed
decisions about what program is best for their young children; and
(3) Resources and support to improve the quality of care and instruction to ensure
all students have access to effective early childhood professionals; and
WHEREAS, this framework is necessary to inform continued collaboration and
efforts among state agencies to ensure maximum effectiveness of the Early Childhood Care
and Education Network, support to parents and child care providers, and appropriate
oversight; and
WHEREAS, there is a continuing need for better coordination and collaboration
among early childhood programs operating in the state, including more regular dialogue and
increased information sharing among the various providers of such programs at all levels as
well as school governing authorities, businesses, and local governments that participate in
community networks.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request the state Department of Education, the Louisiana Department of Health,
and the Department of Children and Family Services to continue to work collaboratively to
coordinate opportunities and access to early childhood programs at the state and local levels.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state Department of Education shall submit
a written report to the House Committee on Education, the Senate Committee on Education,
the House Committee on Health and Welfare, and the Senate Committee on Health and
Welfare on the status and progress of the collaboration by December 1, 2019.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
state superintendent of education, the president of the State Board of Elementary and
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Secondary Education, the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, and the secretary
of the Department of Children and Family Services.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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