House File 15: Early Childhood Program for At-Risk Children

Sponsors:
Representatives Slawik, Greiling, Peterson, Ward, Mariani, Bly, Nornes, Loeffler, Johnson, Hilstrom, Laine, Clark

Summary:
House File 15 allows a school board to offer an early childhood program for at-risk 4-year-olds. The bill states that the program must include home visits by program staff and parent education in literacy activities. Eligible children must complete early childhood screening before enrollment.

Status:

1/12/2009		(House) Introduction and first reading, referred to Finance
1/12/2009		(House) Referred by Chair to Early Childhood Finance and Policy Division
1/15/2009		(House) Authors added: Representatives, Loeffler, Johnson, Hilstrom, Laine and Clark

HSLDA’s Position:
Oppose. Although House File 15 does not require participation in these programs, bills like this are often a state’s first step toward lowering the compulsory school attendance age. HSLDA opposes expanding compulsory school attendance ages because doing so infringes upon parents’ freedom to make educational decisions for their children.

Action Requested:
None at this time.

Other Resources

Bill Text