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 and are willing to track the professional development of all the other positions as stated in this bill.”

Why it matters: Committee speakers and witnesses pointed to falling early literacy and the long‑term costs of late intervention. The committee heard summary statistics from the Guam Department of Education’s 2023–24 public education report showing high percentages of third‑, fourth‑ and fifth‑grade students who did not meet English and language arts standards (third grade: 72% did not meet the standard; fourth grade: 74%; fifth grade: 71%). Lawmakers and witnesses said a unified training and public message could catch developmental concerns earlier and connect caregivers to resources.

Testimony and debate

Several senators and panelists described the measure as a pragmatic step built on work already underway. Witnesses noted Guam’s existing framework for childcare provider professional development and suggested the new training could be integrated with those modules. The Guam Early Learning Council was discussed as the advisory body for the system; committee testimony cited Executive Order 2008‑03 as the charter that defines the council’s membership and role. Senators on the panel repeatedly urged reactivating the council, which witnesses said has not met since March 2024.

Funding and implementation questions were raised repeatedly. Committee members asked whether federal grant sources could be leveraged and whether the Guam Early Learning Council receives federal funding; a witness said the council “does not directly receive federal funding” but that agencies can leverage federal resources for related programs. Lawmakers and witnesses agreed that actual costs will depend on how agencies commit staff time and funds and on procurement timelines.

Quotes from the hearing

Senator Perez, bill sponsor: “By expanding a network of professionals who are trained to recognize key developmental milestones and to offer support, guidance and resources, we are creating a system that can help set children on a strong path long before they ever reach a classroom.”

Heidi Kanata, chief children services administrator, Division of Children's Wellness, Department of Public Health and Social Services (reading Director Areola’s testimony): “This bill represents a critical step forward in modernizing Guam’s ... framework and recognizing the essential role that [early‑childhood] providers play in our health care system.”

Senator Trelahi (committee member): “If we can get it to every level, we will really be emphasizing that Guam is going for a major shift here.”

Details and clarifications

- The committee heard that Guam’s current childcare professional development plan already contains many training modules (literacy, health and safety, orientation) and that the new bill’s guidelines could be integrated with those modules. - Guam Public Library visitation increased from about 7,412 visits in fiscal year 2021 to over 26,000 in fiscal year 2023, a witness cited in discussion of reading outreach. - The Guam Early Learning Council’s composition was reviewed during testimony per Executive Order 2008‑03; the council’s role includes advising on policy, coordination and quality of early‑childhood services. - Witnesses cited national agencies (U.S. Department of Education, Administration for Community Living) as potential federal funding sources to explore; no specific federal award was reported at the hearing.

Next steps

Committee leadership announced the bill will move to markup, where lawmakers said they will consider technical edits, funding questions and possible updates to the council’s enabling authority. No formal vote on final passage occurred at the hearing.

Ending

Committee members encouraged continued interagency discussions and invited public‑health officials and the Guam Early Learning Council to provide follow‑up information on costs, potential federal funding applications and a proposed timeline for training rollout.