Kindergarten readiness programs.

WORKING DRAFT
2013
STATE OF
WYOMING
13LSO-0373

HOUSE BILL
NO.

HB0144

Kindergarten readiness programs.

Sponsored by:
Representative(s) Connolly, Filer, Harshman, Harvey and Northrup and Senator(s) Anderson, J.D. (SD02), Barnard and Rothfuss

A BILL

for

AN ACT relating to kindergarten readiness
,

early childhood development and
early literacy development; providing for development of policy and system structure through statewide consensus discussions as specified; prescribing duties; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1.

(a)

The department of
family
services shall conduct a series of statewide discussions to develop state policy on
early literacy development, kindergarten readiness and
comprehensive early childhood development. For purposes of this section, relevant stakeholders include but are not limited to representatives of parents, advocacy groups,
kindergarten
teachers, the department of health, the University of Wyoming literacy faculty, the department of family services, the department of workforce services, the department of corrections, the
state
department of education, the early childhood state advisory council,

child care providers
and developmental preschools
. Results of these discussions shall be used to develop state policy addressing:

(
i
)

Development of early learning standards that:

(A)

Address cognitive language,
speech development
,
motor and social emotional development as well as physical and mental health;

(B)

Include child outcomes.

(ii
)

Developmentally appropriate and effective, evidence-based early literacy strategies with recommendations for:

(A)

Inclusion of families in early literacy development; and

(B)

Professional development pathways to deliver knowledge and skills to early childhood professionals.

(
iii
)

Continued parental involvement in the development of state policy;

(iv
)

Affordable
access to quality early childhood development systems that promote kinderga
rten readiness for all children;

(v)

Kindergarten readiness as defined through a comprehensive system providing clear and comprehensive guidelines to ensure children entering school
are
ready for kindergarten.

(b)

The department of
family
services may contract with appropriate persons and organizations to conduct the consensus discussions required under subsection (a) of this section and to assist with work necessary to establish policies and systems required under subsection (a) of this section. Progress on consensus discussions and policy development shall be reported to the joint education
interim committee, culminating in a final report to the committee to be submitted on or before October 15, 2013. The final report shall be comprised of policy recommendations addressing those issues identified in subsection (a) of this section, together with
recommendations for
necessary enabling legislation. Broad public involvement shall be documented in the report, which shall serve as the basis for development of uniform policy on early childhood development, kindergarten readiness and early literacy development.

Section 2.

This act is effective immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law as provided by Article 4, Section 8 of the Wyoming Constitution.

(END)

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HB0144