A bill for an act relating to early childhood education and care, including by modifying provisions related to the statewide preschool program, the child development coordinating council, programs for at-risk children, the responsibilities of the department of education, the early childhood Iowa initiative, and the state child care assistance program, and establishing the child care continuum partnership grants pilot program within the department of health and human services.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SSB 1135 enhances early childhood education by improving preschool quality, supporting at-risk children, and establishing new accountability standards for schools.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 445.

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Summary of SSB 1135: Early Childhood Education and Care Act

Bill Number: SSB 1135
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 445
Introduced: February 18, 2025
Classification: Proposed Bill
Subject Areas: Child Assistance, Child Care, Early Childhood Education, Education Department, Grants, Health and Human Services, Partnerships, Pilot Programs, Preschool Programs

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of SSB 1135 is to enhance early childhood education and care in the state by modifying existing frameworks and establishing new initiatives. The bill seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of preschool programs, particularly for at-risk children, and to streamline the responsibilities of various state departments involved in early childhood education.

Key Provisions

Modification of the Statewide Preschool Program:

The bill proposes changes to the accountability system for preschool programs, ensuring it incorporates data on child performance and growth.
It mandates alignment with an outcomes-based accountability system for school districts and accredited nonpublic schools offering prekindergarten programs.

Child Development Coordinating Council:

The council will review and revise state early learning standards and standards for preschool programs, particularly those serving children with individualized education programs (IEPs).

Professional Development:

The bill includes provisions for professional development services aimed at assisting school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in implementing revised early learning standards and high-quality program standards.

Early Childhood Iowa Initiative:

The initiative will be updated to reflect the new standards and accountability measures, enhancing the overall quality of early childhood education.

Child Care Continuum Partnership Grants Pilot Program:

A new pilot program will be established within the Department of Health and Human Services to support partnerships aimed at improving child care services across the state.

Affected Parties

Children: The bill primarily targets preschool-aged children, especially those at risk of educational disadvantage.

School Districts and Nonpublic Schools: Institutions offering prekindergarten programs will be required to align with new standards and accountability measures.

Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services: These departments will see changes in their responsibilities and will need to coordinate efforts to implement the bill's provisions.

Procedural Aspects

Timeline of Legislative Actions:

February 18, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Education Committee.
February 19, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage.
February 25, 2025: Committee report approving the bill, renumbered as SF 445.

This bill represents a significant step towards improving early childhood education and care in the state, with a focus on accountability, quality standards, and support for at-risk children.