Sec. 5. (a) The early learning advisory committee is established to do the following:

(1) Establish child developmental and educational goals for Indiana’s early learning system, including the development of standards and objectives for early education programs that receive state or federal funds.

(2) Design and maintain an approach to measuring progress toward the goals established under subdivision (1) that include objective measures of academic quality.

(3) Assess the attainment of the goals established under subdivision (1) and evaluate the efficacy of state and federal spending on Indiana’s early learning system.

(4) Assess whether the requirements for early education program licensure:

(A) create an equitable standard for health and safety across all early education program types;

(B) reinforce the goals established under subdivision (1); and

(C) support the sustainability of Indiana’s early learning system.

(5) Conduct periodic statewide needs assessments concerning the quality and availability of early education programs for children from birth to the age of school entry, including the availability of high quality prekindergarten education for low income children in Indiana.

(6) Identify opportunities for, and barriers to, collaboration and coordination among federally and state funded child development, child care, and early childhood education programs and services, including governmental agencies that administer the programs and services.

(7) Design early education workforce strategies, including recommendations on how to advance professional development.

(8) Assess the capacity and effectiveness of pathways to support training and recruitment of early educators.

(9) Not later than November 30 of each year, develop and make recommendations to the governor and, in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6, to the legislative council concerning the results of the committee’s work under subdivisions (1) through (8).

(10) Not later than May 1, 2024, commission a third party evaluation to assess existing regulations for child care providers and provide a report containing recommendations to:

(A) maintain health and safety standards;

(B) streamline administrative burdens, program standards, and reporting requirements for child care providers;

(C) provide flexibility for a child care provider with a Level 3 or Level 4 paths to QUALITY program rating to expand to other locations; and

(D) assist accredited kindergarten through grade 12 institutions in establishing and providing high quality onsite child care and early learning programs.

Not later than July 1, 2024, the office of the secretary shall initiate the process of amending the rules adopted by the office under IC 12-17.2-7.2 in consideration of the recommendations of the third party evaluation. This subdivision expires January 1, 2025.

(11) Not later than December 31, 2023, develop recommendations for implementing a revised paths to QUALITY program that:

(A) maintains health and safety standards;

(B) integrates objective measures of kindergarten readiness;

(C) contemplates accredited kindergarten through grade 12 institutions as onsite providers; and

(D) incentivizes child care providers to increase wages for child care workers who complete education and training that result in a postsecondary degree or industry recognized credential.

This subdivision expires July 1, 2024.

(12) Not later than September 30, 2024, do the following:

(A) Complete a study regarding compensation in Indiana for:

(i) early childhood educators; and

(ii) caregivers at out-of-school-time programs;

by collecting compensation data throughout Indiana.

(B) Create an online dashboard to allow access to compensation data.

(C) Issue a report containing the committee’s findings and recommendations on compensation in Indiana for:

(i) early childhood educators; and

(ii) caregivers at out-of-school-time programs.

     (b) The committee consists of the following thirteen (13) members:

(1) The secretary of education or the secretary’s designee.

(2) The secretary of family and social services or the secretary’s designee.

(3) Seven (7) members appointed by the governor as follows:

(A) A representative of an organization with an interest in training the early childhood education workforce.

(B) A representative of a Head Start program under 42 U.S.C. § 9831 et seq.

(C) A member of the general public who has an interest in early childhood education.

(D) A representative of an early childhood education provider.

(E) A representative from a school corporation who has an interest in strengthening the transition from early childhood education to elementary education.

(F) A representative of business with an interest in early childhood education.

(G) A representative of the nonprofit or philanthropic community with an interest in early childhood education.

(4) One (1) member who:

(A) is appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(B) is not a member of the general assembly; and

(C) shall serve as a nonvoting member.

(5) One (1) member who:

(A) is appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate;

(B) is not a member of the general assembly; and

(C) shall serve as a nonvoting member.

(6) One (1) member who:

(A) is appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives;

(B) is not a member of the general assembly; and

(C) shall serve as a nonvoting member.

(7) One (1) member who:

(A) is appointed by the minority leader of the senate;

(B) is not a member of the general assembly; and

(C) shall serve as a nonvoting member.

     (c) Subject to section 5.1 of this chapter, members appointed under subsection (b)(3) through (b)(7) serve for three (3) year terms. The members of the committee serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

     (d) The governor shall appoint a member of the committee to serve as chairperson of the committee. The committee shall meet at least six (6) times each calendar year at the call of the chairperson.

     (e) The division shall, in consultation with the department of education, staff the committee.

     (f) The expenses of the committee shall be paid from the funds of the division.

     (g) Each member of the committee who is not a state employee is entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). The member is also entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member’s duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency.

     (h) Each member of the committee who is a state employee but who is not a member of the general assembly is entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member’s duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency.

     (i) Each member of the committee who is a member of the general assembly is entitled to receive the same per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid to legislative members of interim study committees established by the legislative council. Per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid under this section shall be paid from appropriations made to the legislative council or the legislative services agency.

     (j) The affirmative votes of a majority of the voting members appointed to the committee are required for the committee to take action on any measure, including final reports.

As added by P.L.2-2014, SEC.73. Amended by P.L.139-2022, SEC.3; P.L.246-2023, SEC.4; P.L.92-2024, SEC.9.