Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB1427

Introduced
1/16/25  

Caption

Early Childhood Care and Education, Commission on; expands membership.

Impact

If enacted, SB1427 would broaden the Commission's responsibilities, empowering it to expand access to and improve the quality of child care across the Commonwealth. It incorporates mandates for the Commission to analyze existing financing opportunities, retain skilled early childhood educators, and monitor data related to early childhood education. Additionally, the Commission will aim to align educational resources with the specific needs of communities, ensuring that vulnerable populations are prioritized in the recommendations conveyed to state lawmakers.

Summary

Senate Bill 1427 aims to amend and restructure the Commission on Early Childhood Care and Education in Virginia. The bill seeks to enhance the role of the Commission in providing recommendations to improve and track the financing of a robust birth-to-five early childhood care and education system. This initiative is grounded in recognizing that the quality of early care and education significantly influences children's academic success and readiness for the workforce. The bill emphasizes the importance of access to high-quality early childhood services, particularly for families in need.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may arise from its implications for funding allocations and potential changes in regulatory frameworks governing early childhood education. Critics may argue about the adequacy of financial support for caregivers and educators, while supporters will likely advocate for the necessity of a structured entity to guarantee that early childhood education remains a priority for the state. The establishment of a Commission with heightened authority may also spark debates concerning local versus state control over early childhood educational standards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA HB1423

School Readiness Committee; renaming as Commission on Early Childhood Care and Education.

VA SB1404

School Readiness Committee; renaming as Commission on Early Childhood Care and Education.

VA HB1375

Early childhood care and education; publicly funded providers.

VA HB419

Early childhood care and education system; need- and demand-based funding.

VA SB54

Early childhood care and education system; need- and demand-based funding.

VA HB984

Early childhood care & education; expansion of Head Start prog. availability at community colleges.

VA SB702

Early childhood care and education; exemption from licensure.

VA SB75

Early childhood care and education; publicly funded providers, exemption from licensure.

VA HB146

Early childhood care and education; publicly funded providers, exemption from licensure.

VA HB739

Early childhood care and education; exemption from licensure for certain child day programs.

Similar Bills

VA HB1423

School Readiness Committee; renaming as Commission on Early Childhood Care and Education.

VA SB1404

School Readiness Committee; renaming as Commission on Early Childhood Care and Education.

VA SB1391

Early Childhood Care and Education, Commission on; expands membership.

VA HB2645

Early Childhood Care and Education, Commission on; expands membership.

VA HB1972

Early childhood care & education; statewide unified public-private system, capacity & family choice.

VA HB2538

Public education; early childhood care and education, funding formula calculations.

VA SB756

Public education; early childhood care and education, funding formula calculations, etc.

VA HB419

Early childhood care and education system; need- and demand-based funding.