Early childhood education funding approved

Senators passed a bill April 18 that allocates funds to support early childhood education grant programs.

LB495, introduced by Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate Sullivan, transfers funds from the Education Innovation Fund to the early childhood education grant program administered by the state Department of Education. Scheduled distributions include $1.75 million in fiscal year 2013-14, $1.85 million in FY2014-15 and $1.95 million in FY2015-16.

An additional $1 million from the Education Innovation Fund will be directed to the Early Childhood Endowment Cash Fund annually for the next three fiscal years for grants to public school programs that serve at-risk children from birth to age three.

The bill changes a funding source for programs currently supported by the Education Innovation Fund. General fund dollars will be used to fund:
• an integrated student information system;
• the Center for Student Leadership and Extending Learning Act;
• multicultural education; and
• employment costs for individuals investigating and prosecuting alleged teacher and administrator certificate violations.

The bill passed on a 46-0 vote.