Bill > HB249

This bill aims to expand family-child interaction learning programs in Hawaii by providing state funding for the Executive Office on Early Learning to contract with third-party providers. These programs focus on supporting children from birth to age five by creating engaging, literacy-rich environments that foster social and emotional development and school readiness. The programs uniquely combine high-quality early childhood learning with parent education, using multi-generational and culturally responsive approaches, and typically work with families who prefer home-based care by parents, grandparents, or other family caregivers. The bill appropriates an unspecified amount of general state revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support these programs, with a specific emphasis on delivering infant and early childhood mental health consultations and related services. By supporting these programs, the legislature seeks to improve early detection of developmental delays, expand access to mental health services, and help families connect with various social services. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a typographical error and likely means 2024 or 2025).

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=249&year=2025