H.P. 1632 - L.D. 2260
Resolve, Charging the Children's Cabinet Agencies to Support Efforts of Parents as First Teachers of Their Children
Preamble. Whereas, the State is committed to lifelong learning that begins at birth, so that all children can reach their highest potential; and
Whereas, it is clear that the first 3 years of life represent a critical starting point for the healthy development of children; and
Whereas, research has identified numerous activities that support positive early brain development so that young children are not deprived of crucial opportunities for learning that can never be recaptured; and
Whereas, parents and other caregivers, with the proper information and support, play a critical role in providing the supportive framework necessary for the development of young children; and
Whereas, planning and coordination of services for parents and other caregivers of young children by state and other public agencies is necessary so that available resources are used effectively and cooperatively; now, therefore, be it
Sec. 1. Fiscal plan. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Corrections, the Commissioner of Education, the Commissioner of Human Services, the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Commissioner of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, in this resolve called the "Children's Cabinet," shall develop a fiscal plan for the expansion of existing state-funded child and family support initiatives, including Healthy Families Maine, Head Start and Early Head Start, Child Development Services, Child Care and Communities for Children, as well as a fiscal plan for the expansion and support of other initiatives such as the Parents as Teachers Program, Parents Are Teachers, Too and the Maine Humanities Council program Born to Read; and be it further
Sec. 2. Core curriculum for caregivers. Resolved: That, within available resources:
1. The Children's Cabinet shall develop a core curriculum that will be available to all Maine parents and caregivers by 1999;
2. The Children's Cabinet shall develop a training program for all caregivers and providers based on the core curriculum; and
3. State-funded home visiting services for families with children 0 to 5 years of age shall provide this information to parents; and be it further
Sec. 3. Family support programs. Resolved: That the Children's Cabinet shall study the current family support programs available to parents, identify the need and develop a plan for the creation of additional family support programs, including the designation and support of family resource centers throughout Maine; and be it further
Sec. 4. Resolve 1997, c. 68, §8, amended. Resolved: That Resolve 1997, c. 68, §8 is amended to read:
Sec. 8. Meetings. Resolved: That the task force may meet up to 4 times prior to reporting in 1997 and an additional number of times determined necessary by the Children's Cabinet and the task force prior to reporting in 1998; and be it further
Sec. 5. Resolve 1997, c. 68, §9, amended. Resolved: That Resolve 1997, c. 68, §9 is amended by adding after the first sentence a new sentence to read:
In addition, the task force shall submit a follow-up report to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and the Governor, including any necessary implementing legislation, no later than December 15, 1998.
; and be it further
Sec. 6. Appropriation. Resolved: That the following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this resolve.
1998-99
LEGISLATURE
Task Force to Study Strategies to Support Parents as Children's First Teachers
Personal Services $440
All Other 900
Provides for the per diem and expenses of legislative members, and miscellaneous costs, including printing, of the Task Force to Study Strategies to Support Parents as Children's First Teachers.
LEGISLATURE ____________
TOTAL $1,340
; and be it further
Sec. 7. Retroactivity. Resolved: That those sections of this resolve that amend Resolve 1997, chapter 68, sections 8 and 9 are retroactive to December 1, 1997.
Effective July 9, 1998, unless otherwise indicated.
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