Guam committee moves early‑childhood training bill to markup after public‑health testimony

A public hearing of the Guam Legislature’s Committee on Health advanced legislation to a markup phase that would require standardized training and a coordinated outreach message for professionals who interact with children from birth to age 8.

Supporters told the committee the measure aims to make the “first years” message consistent across health, education and social‑service touch points so parents and caregivers receive unified guidance about developmental milestones and early literacy. Senator Perez, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to “raise awareness among those on the front lines, parents, caregivers, and professionals who serve them about the critical role they play in shaping a child's development in the earliest years.”

The bill would direct Department of Public Health and Social Services staff to identify positions that should receive the training and to develop guidelines and a professional‑development tracking approach. Heidi Kanata, chief children services administrator, read written testimony on behalf of DPHSS Director Teresa Areola and told the committee the department expects to take a lead role: “I’m imagining public health would take the lead role in ensuring that these meetings take place, and as well as tracking the professional development. So we are prepared…