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Committee approves change to ECAP enrollment age language to match agency rules
Summary
Substitute House Bill 1351, which aligns statute with agency rules by requiring children be 3 years old to enroll in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECAP) under certain criteria, was reported out of committee unanimously (11-0).
The Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee reported substitute House Bill 1351 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation by recorded vote, 11-0.
The substitute specifies that children must have actually turned 3 years old to enroll in ECAP (the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) under the additional allowed enrollment criteria. It also aligns statutory language with current agency rules and practice standards that require children to be 3 years old by Aug. 31 of the school year to enroll under standard eligibility criteria.
Representative Birnbaum, speaking in support, described the change as a small improvement that helps use excess classroom space and brings statute into alignment with Department of Children, Youth and Families practices. Ranking Member Eslick also voiced support, noting that empty ECAP seats are being paid for and should be used.
The substitute bill was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation and will proceed to further legislative consideration.
