OLR Bill Analysis

SB 749

AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF THE CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CABINET.

SUMMARY:

This bill increases the membership of the Early Childhood Education Cabinet, from 15 to 16, by adding the executive director of the Children's Trust Fund.

Currently, the cabinet is chaired by the governor and the education commissioner or their designees. The other cabinet members are the following state officials or their designees:

1. the Office of Policy and Management secretary;

2. the commissioners of social services, higher education, children and families, public health, and developmental services;

3. the co-chairpersons of the Education and Human Services committees;

4. the executive director of the Commission on Children;

5. a representative of a local or regional school readiness council appointed by the Senate president pro tempore; and

6. a representative of the Connecticut Head Start Association appointed by the speaker of the House.

The Early Childhood Education Cabinet (1) advises the education commissioner on school readiness issues; (2) develops plans on accountability, quality improvement, preschool facilities, early care, and education workforce; and (3) studies student progress from preschool through the third grade.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Children's Trust Fund

The Children's Trust Fund is an independent agency established to prevent child abuse by identifying at-risk parents and providing them with prevention services.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Select Committee on Children

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Yea

11

Nay

0

(02/10/2009)

Human Services Committee

Joint Favorable

Yea

12

Nay

6

(02/26/2009)