161.213. High-quality early childhood education standards required — rulemaking authority.

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161.213. High-quality early childhood education standards required — rulemaking authority. — 1. The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop standards for high-quality early childhood education no later than June 30, 2007. The standards shall be applicable to all public school prekindergarten programs that receive Title I or Missouri preschool project funds.

2. Such standards shall include, but not be limited to, the following principles:

(1)Access for all children whose parents or guardians choose to participate;

(2)Focus on cognitive, language, physical, and social/emotional development;

(3)Assessment of needs of children and their families;

(4)Highly qualified and properly certified teachers; and

(5)Delivery of comprehensive services supported by strong and accessible technical assistance and professional development.

3. In developing such standards, the department shall involve representatives of the business community, parents as teachers, head start, early childhood start, early childhood special education, Missouri preschool project, first steps, Title I preschools, school district personnel, private providers, and faith-based providers.

4. Unless otherwise prohibited by federal law, public school districts shall not be prohibited from charging tuition and related charges for early childhood education programs.

5. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010 , that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028 . This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2006, shall be invalid and void.

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(L. 2006 H.B. 1511)