Early learning bill opens door to federal funds

Gov. Jay Nixon yesterday visited Springfield to sign legislation designed to establish a quality rating system for early childhood centers, opening the state up to additional federal funds.  

Senate Bill 638, signed at Ozarks Area Community Action Corp., creates a rating system that includes information about a school’s staff qualifications, safety standards, professional development, community involvement, quality of instruction and engagement with parents. Participation is voluntary for the system, which is being developed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Missouri Head Start and the state departments of Mental Health, Social Services and Health and Senior Services, according to a news release.

Missouri was the only state that prohibited establishing a quality rating system for early learning providers. With the law, Missouri can now apply for federal grants to expand early learning statewide.

“This legislation is long overdue, and I’m pleased we’re taking action to provide the tools parents need to find the right preschool for them and their children,” Nixon said in the release.

Additionally, the bill sponsored by Sen. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, allows private high schools to apply for A+ certification with the state Board of Education; establishes a legislative task force on dyslexia; requires school districts to work with underperforming ninth graders to prepare them for college or a career; adds American civics to testing requirements; and increases the academic and financial standards required of charter schools.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry applauded the passage of the bill, specifically related to the portion helping older students prepare for their careers.

“Remedial classes are a hidden cost of college for students and a drag on our economy and taxpayers, who are paying twice in too many cases to educate our students,” chamber President and CEO Dan Mehan said in the release. “That’s why demanding more rigor in high school coursework makes good sense on so many different levels and why the business community has made addressing that problem a critical priority.”