<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>self-sufficiency, and lifelong learning; making changes to child care assistance <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>provisions; making supplemental appropriations and reductions to appropriations;<br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 119B.025, subdivision 1; 119B.09, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>subdivision 4; 121A.16; 121A.17, subdivision 5; 124D.141, subdivisions 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>2; 124D.15, subdivision 12, by adding a subdivision; 124D.20, subdivision 8; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, sections 124D.10, subdivision 8; 124D.15, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>subdivision 3.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.0.0"></a>

<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var><b>AND LIFELONG LEARNING</b><br/>

<a id="bill.1.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 121A.16, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var><b>121A.16 EARLY CHILDHOOD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT </b><br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var><b>SCREENING; PURPOSE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>The legislature finds that early detection of children's health and developmental <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>problems can reduce their later need for costly care, minimize their physical and <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>educational disabilities, and aid in their rehabilitation. The purpose of sections 
         <statute_ref>121A.16</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>to 
         <statute_ref>121A.19</statute_ref> is to assist parents and communities in improving the health of Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>children and in planning educational and health programs. Charter schools that elect to <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>provide a screening program must comply with the requirements of sections 
<statute_ref>121A.16</statute_ref> to <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var><statute_ref>121A.19</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 121A.17, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Developmental screening program information.</b> The board must inform <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>each resident family with a child eligible to participate in the developmental screening <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>program, and a charter school that provides screening must inform families that apply <br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>for admission to the charter school, about the availability of the program and the state's <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>requirement that a child receive a developmental screening or provide health records <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>indicating that the child received a comparable developmental screening from a public <br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>or private health care organization or individual health care provider not later than 30 <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>days after the first day of attending kindergarten in a public school. A school district <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>must inform all resident families with eligible children under age seven, and a charter <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>school that provides screening must inform families that apply for admission to the charter <br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>school, that their children may receive a developmental screening conducted either by the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>school district or by a public or private health care organization or individual health care <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>provider and that the screening is not required if a statement signed by the child's parent <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>or guardian is submitted to the administrator or other person having general control and <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>supervision of the school that the child has not been screened.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 124D.10, subdivision 8, is <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Federal, state, and local requirements.</b> (a) A charter school shall meet all <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>federal, state, and local health and safety requirements applicable to school districts.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>(b) A school must comply with statewide accountability requirements governing <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>standards and assessments in chapter 120B.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>(c) A school sponsored by a school board may be located in any district, unless the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>school board of the district of the proposed location disapproves by written resolution.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>(d) A charter school must be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>employment practices, and all other operations. A sponsor may not authorize a charter <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>school or program that is affiliated with a nonpublic sectarian school or a religious <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>institution. A charter school student must be released for religious instruction, consistent <br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>with section 
         <statute_ref>120A.22, subdivision 12</statute_ref>, clause (3).<br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>(e) Charter schools must not be used as a method of providing education or <br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>generating revenue for students who are being home-schooled.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>(f) The primary focus of a charter school must be to provide a comprehensive <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>program of instruction for at least one grade or age group from five through 18 years <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>of age. Instruction may be provided to people younger than five years and older than <br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>18 years of age.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.35"></a><var>2.35</var>(g) A charter school may not charge tuition.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>(h) A charter school is subject to and must comply with chapter 363A and section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>121A.04
         </statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>(i) A charter school is subject to and must comply with the Pupil Fair Dismissal <br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>Act, sections 
         <statute_ref>121A.40</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>121A.56</statute_ref>, and the Minnesota Public School Fee Law, sections <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>123B.34
         </statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>123B.39</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>(j) A charter school is subject to the same financial audits, audit procedures, and <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>audit requirements as a district. Audits must be conducted in compliance with generally <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>accepted governmental auditing standards, the Federal Single Audit Act, if applicable, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>and section 
         <statute_ref>6.65</statute_ref>. A charter school is subject to and must comply with sections 
         <statute_ref>15.054</statute_ref>; <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>118A.01
         </statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>118A.02</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>118A.03</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>118A.04</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>118A.05</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>118A.06</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>471.38</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>471.391</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>471.392</statute_ref>; and <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>471.425
         </statute_ref>. The audit must comply with the requirements of sections 
         <statute_ref>123B.75</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>123B.83</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>except to the extent deviations are necessary because of the program at the school. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>Deviations must be approved by the commissioner and authorizer. The Department of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>Education, state auditor, legislative auditor, or authorizer may conduct financial, program, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>or compliance audits. A charter school determined to be in statutory operating debt under <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>123B.81</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>123B.83</statute_ref> must submit a plan under section 
         <statute_ref>123B.81, subdivision 4</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>(k) A charter school is a district for the purposes of tort liability under chapter 466.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>(l) A charter school must comply with chapters 13 and 13D; and sections 
         <statute_ref>120A.22, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>subdivision 7
         </statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>121A.75</statute_ref>; and 
         <statute_ref>260B.171, subdivisions 3 and 5</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>(m) A charter school is subject to the Pledge of Allegiance requirement under <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>section 
         <statute_ref>121A.11, subdivision 3</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>(n) A charter school offering online courses or programs must comply with section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>124D.095
         </statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>(o) A charter school and charter school board of directors are subject to chapter 181.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>(p) A charter school must comply with section 
         <statute_ref>120A.22, subdivision 7</statute_ref>, governing <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>the transfer of students' educational records and sections 
         <statute_ref>138.163</statute_ref> and 
         <statute_ref>138.17</statute_ref> governing <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>the management of local records.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>(q) A charter school that provides early childhood health and developmental <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>screening must comply with sections 
<statute_ref>121A.16</statute_ref> to 
<statute_ref>121A.19</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.4.0"></a><a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 124D.141, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Membership; duties.</b> Two members of the house of representatives, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>one appointed by the speaker and one appointed by the minority leader; and two members <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>of the senate appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>and Administration, including one member of the minority; the commissioner of health or <br/>
<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>the commissioner's designee; and two parents with a child under age six, shall be added <br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>to the membership of the State Advisory Council on Early Education and Care. The <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>council must fulfill the duties required under the federal Improving Head Start for School <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>Readiness Act of 2007 as provided in Public Law 110-134.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.5.0"></a><a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 124D.141, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Additional duties.</b> The following duties are added to those assigned <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>to the council under federal law:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>    (1) make recommendations on the most efficient and effective way to leverage state <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>and federal funding streams for early childhood and child care programs;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>    (2) make recommendations on how to coordinate or colocate early childhood and <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>child care programs in one state Office of Early Learning;. The council shall establish <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>a task force to develop these recommendations. The task force shall include two <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>nonexecutive or legislative branch representatives from the council; six representatives <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>from the early childhood caucus; two representatives each from the Departments of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>Education, Human Services, and Health; one representative each from a local public health <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>agency, a local county human services board, and a school district; and two representatives <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>from the private nonprofit organizations that support early childhood programs in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>Minnesota. In developing recommendations, the task force shall consider how to:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>(i) consolidate and coordinate resources and public funding streams for early <br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>childhood education and child care, and ensure the accountability and coordinated <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>development of all early childhood education and child care services to children from birth <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>to kindergarten entrance; <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>(ii) create a seamless transition from early childhood programs to kindergarten; <br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>(iii) encourage family choice by ensuring a mixed system of high-quality public and <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>private programs, with local points of entry, staffed by well-qualified professionals; <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>(iv) ensure parents a decisive role in the planning, operation, and evaluation of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>programs that aid families in the care of children; <br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>(v) provide consumer education and accessibility to early childhood education <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>and child care resources; <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>(vi) advance the quality of early childhood education and child care programs in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>order to support the healthy development of children and preparation for their success <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>in school; <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>(vii) develop a seamless service delivery system with local points of entry for early <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>childhood education and child care programs administered by local, state, and federal <br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>agencies; <br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>(viii) develop and manage an effective data collection system to support the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>necessary functions of a coordinated system of early childhood education and child care in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>order to enable accurate evaluation of its impact; <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>(ix) respect and be sensitive to family values and cultural heritage; and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>(x) establish the administrative framework for and promote the development of early <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>childhood education and child care services in order to provide that these services, staffed <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>by well-qualified professionals, are available in every community for all families that <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>express a need for them. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>In addition, the task force must consider the following responsibilities for transfer <br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>to the Office of Early Learning: <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>(A) responsibilities of the commissioner of education for early childhood education <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>programs and financing under sections 119A.50 to 119A.535, 121A.16 to 121A.19, and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>124D.129 to 124D.2211; <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>(B) responsibilities of the commissioner of human services for child care assistance, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>child care development, and early childhood learning and child protection facilities <br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>programs and financing under chapter 119B and section 256E.37; and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>(C) responsibilities of the commissioner of health for family home visiting programs <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>and financing under section 145A.17.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>Any costs incurred by the council in making these recommendations will be paid <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>from private funds. If no private funds are received, the council will not proceed in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>making these recommendations. The council will report its recommendations to the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>governor and the legislature by January 15, 2011;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>    (3) review program evaluations regarding high-quality early childhood programs; <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>and<br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>    (4) make recommendations to the governor and legislature, including proposed <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>legislation on how to most effectively create a high-quality early childhood system in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>Minnesota in order to improve the educational outcomes of children so that all children <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>are school-ready by 2020.;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>(5) make recommendations to the governor and the legislature by March 1, 2011, on <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>the creation and implementation of a statewide school readiness report card to monitor <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>progress toward the goal of having all children ready for kindergarten by the year 2020. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>The recommendations shall include what should be measured including both children and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>system indicators, what benchmarks should be established to measure state progress <br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>toward the goal, and how frequently the report card should be published. In making their <br/>
<a id="pl.5.35"></a><var>5.35</var>recommendations, the council shall consider the indicators and strategies for Minnesota's <br/>
<a id="pl.5.36"></a><var>5.36</var>early childhood system report, the Minnesota school readiness study, developmental <br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>assessment at kindergarten entrance, and the work of the council's accountability <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>committee. Any costs incurred by the council in making these recommendations will be <br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>paid from private funds. If no private funds are received, the council will not proceed in <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>making these recommendations; and<br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>(6) make recommendations to the governor and the legislature on how to screen <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>earlier and comprehensively assess children for school readiness in order to provide <br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>increased early interventions and increase the number of children ready for kindergarten. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>In formulating their recommendations, the council shall consider (i) ways to interface <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>with parents of children who are not participating in early childhood education or care <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>programs, (ii) ways to interface with family child care providers, child care centers, and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>school-based early childhood and Head Start programs, (iii) if there are age-appropriate <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>and culturally sensitive screening and assessment tools for three-, four-, and five-year-olds, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>(iv) the role of the medical community in screening, (v) incentives for parents to have <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>children screened at an earlier age, (vi) incentives for early education and care providers <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>to comprehensively assess children in order to improve instructional practice, (vii) how to <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>phase in increases in screening and assessment over time, (viii) how the screening and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>assessment data will be collected and used and who will have access to the data, (ix) <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>how to monitor progress toward the goal of having 50 percent of three-year-old children <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>screened and 50 percent of five-year-old children assessed for school readiness by 2015 <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>and 100 percent of three-year-old children screened and five-year-old children assessed <br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>for school readiness by 2020, and (x) costs to meet these benchmarks. The council shall <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>consider the screening instruments and comprehensive assessment tools used in Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>early childhood education and care programs and kindergarten. The council may survey <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>early childhood education and care programs in the state to determine the screening and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>assessment tools being used or rely on previously collected survey data, if available. For <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>purposes of this subdivision, "school readiness" is defined as the child's skills, knowledge, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>and behaviors at kindergarten entrance in these areas of child development: social; <br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>self-regulation; cognitive, including language, literacy, and mathematical thinking; and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>physical. For purposes of this subdivision, "screening" is defined as the activities used to <br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>identify a child who may need further evaluation to determine delay in development or <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>disability. For purposes of this subdivision, "assessment" is defined as the activities used <br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>to determine a child's level of performance in order to promote the child's learning and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>development. Any costs incurred by the council in making these recommendations will <br/>
<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>be paid from private funds. If no private funds are received, the council will not proceed <br/>
<a id="pl.6.35"></a><var>6.35</var>in making these recommendations. The council will report its recommendations to the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.36"></a><var>6.36</var>governor and legislature by January 15, 2012, with an interim report on February 15, 2011.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.6.0"></a><a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 124D.15, subdivision 3, is <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Program requirements.</b> A school readiness program provider must:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>    (1) assess each child's cognitive skills with a comprehensive child assessment <br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>instrument when the child enters and again before the child leaves the program to inform <br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>program planning and parents and promote kindergarten readiness;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>    (2) provide comprehensive program content and intentional instructional practice <br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>aligned with the state early childhood learning guidelines and kindergarten standards and <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>based on early childhood research and professional practice that is focused on children's <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills and development and prepares children <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>for the transition to kindergarten, including early literacy skills;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>(3) coordinate appropriate kindergarten transition with parents and kindergarten <br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>teachers;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>    (4) arrange for early childhood screening and appropriate referral;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>    (5) (4) involve parents in program planning and decision making;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>    (6) (5) coordinate with relevant community-based services;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>    (7) (6) cooperate with adult basic education programs and other adult literacy <br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>programs;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>(8) (7) ensure staff-child ratios of one-to-ten and maximum group size of 20 children <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>with the first staff required to be a teacher; and<br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>(9) (8) have teachers knowledgeable in early childhood curriculum content, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>assessment, and instruction.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.7.0"></a><a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 124D.15, subdivision 12, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>    Subd. 12. <b>Program fees.</b> A district must adopt a sliding fee schedule based on a <br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>family's income but must waive a fee for a participant unable to pay. School districts must <br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>use school readiness aid for eligible children. Children who do not meet the eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>requirements in subdivision 15 may participate on a fee-for-service basis.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.8.0"></a><a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 124D.15, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>    Subd. 15. <b>Eligibility.</b>  A child is eligible to participate in a school readiness program <br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>if the child:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>(1) is at least three years old on September 1;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>(2) has completed health and developmental screening within 90 days of program <br/>
<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>enrollment under sections 121A.16 to 121A.19; and<br/>
<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>(3) has one or more of the following risk factors:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>(i) qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>(ii) is an English language learning child;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>(iii) is homeless;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>(iv) has an individualized education program (IEP) or an individual interagency <br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>intervention plan (IIIP);<br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>(v) is identified, through health and developmental screenings under sections <br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>121A.16 to 121A.19, with a potential risk factor that may influence learning; or<br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>(vi) is defined as at risk by the school district.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.9.0"></a><a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 124D.20, subdivision 8, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Uses of general revenue.</b> (a) General community education revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>may be used for:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>(1) nonvocational, recreational, and leisure time activities and programs;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>(2) programs for adults with disabilities, if the programs and budgets are approved <br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>by the department;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>(3) adult basic education programs, according to section 
         <statute_ref>124D.52</statute_ref>; <br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>(4) summer programs for elementary and secondary pupils;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>(5) implementation of a youth development plan;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>(6) implementation of a youth service program;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>(7) early childhood family education programs, according to section 
         <statute_ref>124D.13</statute_ref>; and <br/>
<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>(8) school readiness programs, according to section 
<statute_ref>124D.15</statute_ref>; and<br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>(9) extended day programs, according to section 
         <statute_ref>124D.19, subdivision 11</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>(9) (b) In addition to money from other sources, a district may use up to ten percent <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>of its community education revenue for equipment that is used exclusively in community <br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>education programs. This revenue may be used only for the following purposes:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>(i) (1) to purchase or lease computers and related materials;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>(ii) (2) to purchase or lease equipment for instructional programs; and<br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>(iii) (3) to purchase textbooks and library books.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>(b) (c) General community education revenue must not be used to subsidize the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>direct activity costs for adult enrichment programs. Direct activity costs include, but <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>are not limited to, the cost of the activity leader or instructor, cost of materials, or <br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>transportation costs.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 119B.025, subdivision 1, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Factors which must be verified.</b> (a) The county shall verify the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>following at all initial child care applications using the universal application:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>(1) identity of adults;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>(2) presence of the minor child in the home, if questionable;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>(3) relationship of minor child to the parent, stepparent, legal guardian, eligible <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>relative caretaker, or the spouses of any of the foregoing;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>(4) age;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>(5) immigration status, if related to eligibility;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>(6) Social Security number, if given;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>(7) income;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>(8) spousal support and child support payments made to persons outside the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>household;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>(9) residence; and<br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>(10) inconsistent information, if related to eligibility.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>(b) If a family did not use the universal application or child care addendum to apply <br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>for child care assistance, the family must complete the universal application or child care <br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>addendum at its next eligibility redetermination and the county must verify the factors <br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>listed in paragraph (a) as part of that redetermination. Once a family has completed a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>universal application or child care addendum, the county shall use the redetermination <br/>
<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>form described in paragraph (c) for that family's subsequent redeterminations. Eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>must be redetermined at least every six months. For a family where at least one parent is <br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>under the age of 21, does not have a high school or general equivalency diploma, and is a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>student in a school district or another similar program that provides or arranges for child <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>care, as well as parenting, social services, career and employment supports, and academic <br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>support to achieve high school graduation, the redetermination of eligibility shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>deferred beyond six months, but not to exceed 12 months, to the end of the student's <br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>school year. If a family reports a change in an eligibility factor before the family's next <br/>
<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>regularly scheduled redetermination, the county must recalculate eligibility without <br/>
<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var>requiring verification of any eligibility factor that did not change.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>(c) The commissioner shall develop a redetermination form to redetermine eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>and a change report form to report changes that minimize paperwork for the county and <br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>the participant.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>(d) Families have the primary responsibility to verify information. A county must <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>consider the family's circumstances and ability to produce verification when initiating a <br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>request for verification. If a family is unable to verify an eligibility factor, the county <br/>
<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>must request written consent from the family to obtain verification from other sources. A <br/>
<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>county may not request a specific form of verification if another is more readily available. <br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>When verification of an eligibility factor other than income is not available despite the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>efforts of the county and the family, the county must accept a signed statement from the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>family attesting to the correctness of the information if one is provided. The county must <br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>deny or end assistance to families who refuse or deliberately fail to verify information.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective October 15, 2010.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 119B.09, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Eligibility; annual income; calculation.</b> Annual income of the applicant <br/>
<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>family is the current monthly income of the family multiplied by 12 or the income for <br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of application, or income calculated <br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>by the method which provides the most accurate assessment of income available to the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>family. Self-employment income must be calculated based on gross receipts less operating <br/>
<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>expenses. Income must be recalculated when the family's income changes, but no less <br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>often than every six months. For a family where at least one parent is under the age <br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>of 21, does not have a high school or general equivalency diploma, and is a student in <br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>a school district or another similar program that provides or arranges for child care, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>as well as parenting, social services, career and employment supports, and academic <br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>support to achieve high school graduation, income must be recalculated when the family's <br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>income changes, but otherwise shall be deferred beyond six months, but not to exceed 12 <br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>months, to the end of the student's school year. Income must be verified with documentary <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>evidence. If the applicant does not have sufficient evidence of income, verification must <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>be obtained from the source of the income.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective October 15, 2010.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>    Sec. 3. <b>QUALITY RATING SYSTEM TRAINING, COACHING, </b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var><b>CONSULTATION, AND SUPPORTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>The commissioner of human services shall direct $500,000 in federal child care <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>development funds used for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.21, in fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>year 2011 for the purpose of providing statewide child care provider training, coaching, <br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>consultation, and supports to prepare for the voluntary Minnesota quality rating system. <br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>This is a onetime appropriation. In addition, to the extent that private funds are made <br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>available, the commissioner shall designate those funds for this purpose.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.4.0"></a><a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>    Sec. 4. <b>CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE REDETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY </b><br/>
<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var><b>AND INFORMATION VERIFICATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>The commissioner of human services shall use existing resources to implement <br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>the changes in this bill related to child care assistance redetermination of eligibility and <br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>information verification under Minnesota Statutes, sections 119B.025, subdivision 1, and <br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>119B.09, subdivision 4.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.5.0"></a><a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>    Sec. 5. <b>CHILD CARE DEVELOPMENT FUND UNEXPENDED BALANCE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>In addition to the amount provided in Laws 2009, chapter 79, article 13, section 3, <br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>subdivision 4, paragraph (d), the commissioner shall carry over and expend in fiscal year <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>2011, $7,500,000 of the TANF funds transferred in fiscal year 2010 which reflect the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>child care and development fund unexpended balance for the basic sliding fee child care <br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>assistance program under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.03. The commissioner shall <br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>ensure that all the funds are expended according to the federal child care and development <br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>fund regulations relating to TANF transfers.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.6.0"></a><a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>    Sec. 6. <b>BASIC SLIDING FEE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>The general fund appropriation for fiscal year 2011 for the basic sliding fee child <br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>care program under Laws 2009, chapter 79, article 13, section 3, subdivision 4, paragraph <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>(d) is reduced by $7,500,000.<br/>