Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Education and Military Affairs and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 1300, H.D. 2, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish an early childhood education task force to develop a ranking system for early childhood education programs.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Department of Human Services, Department of Education, Good Beginnings Alliance, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Business Roundtable, and Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children.

Your Committees find that there is a rapidly increasing need for quality early childhood education programs. Unfortunately, not all families are able to afford quality programs that ensure their children are prepared for school. Furthermore, there are other proven methods and programs that need assistance to develop and assist in the demand for quality early childhood education.

This measure created a ranking system for early childhood education programs. However, your Committees find that it would be more beneficial to provide incentives to encourage the improvement and development of new and current programs.

Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Education and Military Affairs and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1300, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1300, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.