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HSB 145

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

HSB 145 enhances Iowa's early childhood education by improving preschool accountability, expanding support for at-risk children, and launching a child care partnership pilot program.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 623.
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Bill Summary · HSB 145

Summary of HSB 145 (Renumbered as HF 623)

Purpose and Intent

HSB 145 aims to enhance early childhood education and care in Iowa by modifying existing provisions related to the statewide preschool program, the Child Development Coordinating Council, and various initiatives for at-risk children. The bill seeks to improve accountability, quality, and accessibility of early childhood education programs, while also establishing a new pilot program for child care partnerships.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes and initiatives:

  1. Modification of the Statewide Preschool Program:

    • Updates to the accountability system for preschool programs, incorporating data from child performance and growth measures.
    • Alignment of outcomes-based accountability systems for school districts and accredited nonpublic schools offering prekindergarten programs.

  2. Child Development Coordinating Council:

    • Responsibilities will be expanded to include reviewing and revising early learning standards and professional development services for educators in preschool programs.

  3. Early Childhood Iowa Initiative:

    • Amendments to existing provisions to enhance the effectiveness of early childhood programs and ensure they meet updated standards.

  4. Child Care Continuum Partnership Grants Pilot Program:

    • Establishment of a new pilot program within the Department of Health and Human Services aimed at fostering partnerships that enhance child care services.

  5. Professional Development:

    • Provision of professional development services to support the implementation of revised early learning standards and high-quality program standards.

Affected Parties

The bill will impact:
- Children: Particularly those in preschool and prekindergarten programs, including those with individualized education programs.
- Educators and Administrators: Involved in early childhood education, who will receive support and training to meet new standards.
- Families: Especially those with at-risk children who will benefit from improved access to quality early childhood education and care services.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 11, 2025
  • Subcommittee Meeting: February 18, 2025
  • Subcommittee Recommendation: February 19, 2025
  • Committee Report Approving Bill: February 25, 2025
  • Committee Vote: February 25, 2025 (14 Yeas, 6 Nays, 1 Excused)
  • Committee Report Renumbering Bill: February 27, 2025

Conclusion

HSB 145 represents a comprehensive effort to strengthen early childhood education and care in Iowa. By modifying existing programs and introducing new initiatives, the bill aims to create a more effective and accountable system that supports the development and well-being of young children across the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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