Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2283, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a statutory definition of "school readiness".

The measure also requires the interdepartmental council created by Act 77, Session Laws of Hawaii 1997, and the private nonprofit corporation designated in section -1 of Act 77, to report jointly to the Governor and the Legislature, on progress in improving Hawaii's system of early education and care. Specifically, the report is to include a description of the progress made in: enlisting public, private, and community support and family participation in school readiness; and developing policies and strategies for measuring results and performance indicators of school readiness.

Your Committee recognizes the importance of quality early childhood programs and experiences in preparing children for kindergarten so that children will be ready to succeed in school. Research has shown the importance of meeting young children's needs by: sustaining relationships with qualified caregivers; addressing the special needs of children with developmental disabilities or chronic health conditions; and ensuring that children are provided with safe and stimulating settings that are compatible with their family's values and priorities.

Your Committee believes that the definition of "school readiness", as provided in this measure, recognizes the importance of positive interactions among family, school, community, and the child and will encourage conditions that will enable children in Hawaii to succeed in kindergarten and subsequent school experiences.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2283, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.