State early childhood councils serve many purposes. They can help create greater efficiency in service delivery, save costs, coordinate funding, provide better coordinated and higher quality services to families, coordinate professional development opportunities, and help develop and implement early learning guidelines. Councils can also facilitate public awareness by encouraging more public and legislative engagement.
Councils also build on recent Federal initiatives to encourage statewide collaboration, including the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s (MCHB) State Early Childhood Comprehensive Services (ECCS) grants, the Head Start Bureau’s Head Start Collaboration offices, the U.S. Department of Education’s State Interagency Coordinating Councils on Early Intervention, and national system-building initiatives. Current and new councils also anticipate the need to address the 2007 Head Start reauthorization requirement that governors designate State Advisory Councils on Early Childhood Education and Care. More information is available at www.govtrack.us/data/us/bills.text/110/h/h1429.pdf.
This document includes some examples of current early learning councils or other coordinating bodies in all States. These examples do not include all early learning advisory councils, but are meant to represent a range of approaches States have taken to develop and implement these councils. Each State example includes information about the council’s mandate and funding, membership, and goals and function. Selected national resources and publications about councils are also included. This information was developed using multiple resources, including Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plans for FY 2008–2009. Additional resources are available via the NCCIC Online Library, which can be accessed at http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm?do=oll.search. NCCIC does not endorse any practice, organization, publication, or resource.
Mandate and funding: Early childhood councils have been mandated by gubernatorial executive orders, legislative laws and resolutions, and by public/private collaboration within the State. Funding sources include CCDF, State monies, and private donations.
Membership: Councils always include State agencies and some representatives from the private sector. Membership is often defined by the legislature, and members are appointed by the governor. Some States include only a few nonpublic members, while others include a wide spectrum of people. Some States mandate participation from the following groups:
Function/Goal: All councils oversee the ECCS grant within their respective States, and some have additional responsibilities. Some focus primarily on early care, and some address larger family service systems. Additional responsibilities may include the following:
The following is a sample of State early childhood services coordinating entities organized by Administration for Children and Families Region.
Web: www.cga.ct.gov/COC
Mandate: Chapter 814d,Section 46a-126. The commission was created in 1985 by the Connecticut General Assembly. Additional information is available at www.cga.ct.gov/2005/pub/Chap814d.htm.
Membership: The commission is made up of legislative committee chairs, governor’s appointees, judicial representatives, and advocates appointed by legislative leaders. A list of members is available at www.cga.ct.gov/COC/members.htm.
Function/Goal: The commission’s goal is to identify and promote public policy and coordinated efforts that support and improve the development of children and strengthen the capability of families to provide for children’s basic needs. Some of its functions include the following:
Web: www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2345&q=304858
Mandate: Section 17b-748 of the General Statutes in 1988 established the council. An Act Concerning the Child Day Care Council is available at
Membership: Members are appointed by the governor. There are representatives from the public and private sectors. A list of required members is available at
Function/Goal:
Web: www.ecpolicycouncil.org/about.php
Mandate: Executive Order 13 by Governor M. Jodi Rell in February 2006. Additional information is available at www.ecpolicycouncil.org/docs/council_docs/Executive_Order_No_13.pdf.
Membership: The council is composed of 31 members appointed by the governor. A list of required members is available at www.ecpolicycouncil.org/docs/council_docs/Executive_Order_No_13.pdf.
Function/Goal:
Web: www.state.me.us/dhhs/ocfs/ec/occhs/advisorycouncil.htm
Mandate: The council was established through State law in 1993.
Membership: There are representatives from the public and private sector. A list of the 24 members in 2007 is available at http://mainegov-images.informe.org/dhhs/ocfs/ec/occhs/childcareadvisorycouncilreporttolegislature.pdf.
Function/Goal:
Mandate: The cabinet was established in 1995 by Governor King.
Membership: Membership includes representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Resources, Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, Department of Labor, Governor’s Office, Communities for Children and Youth, and Cabinet staff. A list of the members is available at www.state.me.us/cabinet/members.html.
Function/Goal:
Web: www.eec.state.ma.us
Mandate: Information about the board is in An Act Establishing Early Education for All: 2005-2006 Legislative Session, which is available at www.strategiesforchildren.org/eea/1about_docs/07_1175303.pdf.
Membership: There are 11 members from the public and private sectors. A list of members is available at www.eec.state.ma.us/oo_bod.aspx.
Function/Goal: The board is responsible for developing and implementing Early Education for All in accordance with the provision of the Act for Establishing Early Education for All and in accordance with Chapter 205 of the Acts of 2004. Additional information about requirements is in An Act Establishing Early Education for All: 2005-2006 Legislative Session, which is available at www.strategiesforchildren.org/eea/1about_docs/07_1175303.pdf.
Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out-of-School Time
Web: www.massafterschoolcomm.org
Mandate: The commission was created by the legislature in 2006.
Membership: The commission has 36 members representing community and faith-based organizations, public and private schools, child care organizations, advocacy groups, and parent-teacher organizations. A list of members is available at www.massafterschoolcomm.org/meet-members.htm.
Function/Goal: The commission is responsible for studying and recommending how to better define, coordinate, expand, finance, and improve accessibility of out-of-school programs in the State.
Web: www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/DCYF/z1-nhccac.htm
Mandate: The New Hampshire Child Care Advisory Council is a legislatively enacted forum.
Membership: Members represent State agencies, Federal programs, and public and private statewide and community programs. A list of 2008 members is available at www.dhhs.state.nh.us/NR/rdonlyres/
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ccac_08minutes.pdf.
Function/Goal:
Web: www.health.state.ri.us/family/successfulstart/index.php
Mandate: The partnership is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Family Health.
Membership: The partnership is made up of more than 200 early childhood leaders, including all the State departments that administer programs for young children, community-based agencies, child care providers, health care and mental health professionals, child advocates, and parents.
Function/Goal:
Web: www.rikidscount.org/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_245_A_PageName_E_childrenscabinet
Mandate: The cabinet was created in 1991 by State law (RI GL 42-72.5).
Membership: The cabinet is composed of the directors of the State departments that serve children and families, including Department of Human Services; Department of Health; Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families; Department of Labor and Training; Department of Administration; Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals; Rhode Island Higher Education Systems Authority; and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Membership also includes the governor’s policy director and the Rhode Island child support enforcement administrator.
Function/Goal: The cabinet’s goal is to foster cooperative State efforts to address the needs of children and families in an integrated and effective way. The cabinet functions as an information exchange forum among State departments, private service agencies, and the public. The cabinet is committed to working toward the following goals:
Web: http://governor.vermont.gov/tools/index.php?topic=BoardsAndCommissions&id=2020&v=Article
Mandate: Executive Order of Governor Jim Douglas, June 2006. Additional information is available at http://governor.vermont.gov/tools/index.php?topic=ExecutiveOrders&id=1907&v=Article.
Membership: Most of the up to 19 members are appointed by the governor. The appointed agencies include Department of Education, Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Agency of Human Services, Department of Health, and Department for Children and Families. There are representatives and joint leadership from the public and private sectors. A list of required members is available at http://governor.vermont.gov/tools/index.php?topic=ExecutiveOrders&id=1907&v=Article.
Function/Goal: The council’s functions are as follows:
Web: www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ccac/index.htm
Mandate: The New Jersey Child Care Advisory Council was established by the New Jersey Legislature with the passage of the Child Care Center Licensing Act (P.L. 1983, c. 492, amended by P.L. 1992, c.95).
Membership: The council is made up of voting members from the early care and education and child advocacy communities, nonvoting government staff from the departments cited in the enabling legislation, and from the Departments of Education, Health and Senior Services, and Labor and Workforce Development. Members of the council are selected in one of two ways: (1) by statewide child care and child advocacy organizations, or (2) by appointment as at-large members by directors of the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development, and the Department of Community Affairs’ Division on Women. A list of members is available at www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ccac/members.htm.
Function: The advisory council is responsible for the following:
Web: www.ccf.state.ny.us/Initiatives/CabHome.htm
Mandate: The Governor’s Children’s Cabinet (referred to as Children’s Cabinet) was established by Executive Order on June 12, 2007. The Executive Order is available at www.ccf.state.ny.us/Initiatives/CabRelate/CabinetResources/ChildrensCabinetExecOrder.pdf.
Membership: The Children’s Cabinet consists of members appointed by the governor; a list of members is available at www.ccf.state.ny.us/Initiatives/CabHome.htm#advBoard.
Function: The mission of the Children’s Cabinet is to advise and make recommendations to the governor on the most effective policies and programs that promote the governor’s Birth to Five Agenda and other priorities, including, but not limited to, the following:
Web: www.doe.k12.de.us/programs/earlychildhood/decc.shtml
Mandate: Governor Minner signed an executive order in 2001 to establish the council. On June 28, 2007, Governor Minner signed HB 126 to codify the council.
Membership: There are 17 members of the council, appointed by the Interagency Resource Management Committee (IRMC). A list of members is available at www.doe.k12.de.us/programs/earlychildhood/Delaware%20Early%20Childhood%20Council%20Members.doc.
Function/Goal: The council is charged with advising the Interagency Resource Management Council on implementation of the Early Success Plan, which provides technical assistance, planning, and evaluation assistance to child care centers and family child care providers.
Web: http://seo.dc.gov/seo/cwp/view,a,1224,q,562117.asp
Mandate: The committee was established in 1979 and re-established through Mayor’s Order 88-96 in 1988.
Membership: The committee has 31 members. Members are appointed by the mayor.
Function/Goal: The committee is charged with the following:
Web: www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/08conoff/cabinet/html/child.html
Mandate: The cabinet was created by the governor in 1987 as the Sub-Cabinet for Children and Youth.
Membership: Members include representatives from the following:
A list of the members is available at www.ocyf.state.md.us.
Function/Goal:
Web: www.dpw.state.pa.us/About/Secretary/ChildrenFamiliesCabinet/
Mandate: The cabinet was created through an executive order by Governor Ed Rendell in September 2003. More information about the executive order is available at www.oa.state.pa.us/oac/cwp/view.asp?A=351&Q=177796.
Membership: There are 11 members in the cabinet, including staff from the Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Insurance, Department of Budget, and Department of Labor and Industry.
Function/goal: The cabinet is charged with the following:
Web: www.education.virginia.gov/Initiatives/EarlyChildhood/StartStrong/index.cfm
Mandate: Governor Kaine created the council through an executive order in January 2006. More information about the executive order is available at www.governor.virginia.gov/Initiatives/ExecutiveOrders/2006/EO_7.cfm.
Membership: Members include legislators, representatives of the public school system, private providers of early childhood education programs, elected local government officials, community and business leaders, and parents.
Function/Goal:
Web: www.dss.state.va.us/geninfo/cdc_council/index.html
Mandate: The council was established by the General Assembly in 1987 and is authorized by the Code of Virginia. More information about the statutory authority is available in “Appendix A” of the Commonwealth of Virginia Child Day Care Council Strategic Plan 2006-2011 at www.dss.state.va.us/geninfo/cdc_council/cdcc_strategic_plan.pdf.
Membership: The council is made up of 28 members. All members are appointed by the governor and represent a variety of interests from around the State.
Function/Goal: The council is charged with adopting regulatory standards for licensure and operation of child day care centers in Virginia, including determining what regulatory changes would be more conducive to the welfare of children. Council goals include the following:
Web: www.wvdhhr.org/bcf/ece/pieces/
Mandate: Governor Joe Manchin issued an executive order that empowers the PIECES Advisory Council to study governance of early childhood, develop quality standards, and examine financing of an early care and education program.
Membership: Membership includes representatives of the State Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and Department of Education (DOE), county departments for both agencies, child care, Head Start and prekindergarten providers, the teacher’s union, the Higher Education Policy Commission, attorneys, parents and communities, child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies, early childhood training providers, State advocacy groups, and the legislature.
Function/Goal:
Mandate: DCA is a State executive branch agency that was created by legislation in 1999 (Ala. Code Sec. 26-24-1).
Membership: The Commissioner of the Department of Children’s Affairs serves as chairman of the Alabama Children’s Policy Council, and DCA performs all of the duties and mission of the council. The council includes heads of all State agencies that serve children and other government and nongovernmental organizations.
Function/Goal: The Department of Children’s Affairs advises the governor and legislature in matters relating to children’s issues and serves as a liaison between State agencies serving children. Under the direction of the commissioner, DCA does the following:
Web: www.floridajobs.org/earlylearning/EarlyLearningAdvisoryCouncilELAC.html
Mandate: The council was established by Statute (Florida Statute s. 1002.77). Additional information is available at www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch1002/ch1002.htm.
Membership: The advisory council shall be composed of the following members:
The chair of the advisory council appointed by the governor and the members appointed by the presiding officers of the legislature must each have a background in early learning.
Function/Goal: To submit recommendations to the Department of Education and the Agency for Workforce Innovation Office of Early Learning on early learning policies throughout the State,. All ELAC meetings are open to the public, provide opportunities for public comment, and noticed in accordance with s.286.011, F.S.
Mandate: The board was established through the 2002 Florida Statutes: 409.178 Child Care Executive Partnership Act.
Membership: The board is staffed by the Department of Children and Family Services and consists of a representative of the Executive Office of the Governor and nine members of the corporate or child care community, appointed by the governor.
Function/goal: The Child Care Executive Partnership shall have all the powers and authority, not explicitly prohibited by statute, necessary to carry out and effectuate the purposes of this section, as well as the functions, duties, and responsibilities of the partnership, including, but not limited to, the following:
Web: http://167.198.17.47/mission.asp
Mandate: Not available
Membership: The cabinet membership includes leaders from every State agency responsible for serving children, including the commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, the commissioner of the Department of Community Health, the Commissioner of the Department of Early Care and Learning, the Director of the Children and Youth Coordinating Council, and the State Superintendent of Schools.
Function/goal: The cabinet will collaborate actively in sharing resources and removing barriers to service delivery. Many departments and agencies of State government play vital roles in promoting the welfare of Georgia’s children. The cabinet will develop and implement a strategic plan for coordinating policymaking and planning for all State agencies and programs that are responsible for children and their families. The cabinet focuses on eliminating service gaps, eliminating service duplication, and reducing unnecessary expenditures by emphasizing prevention. The cabinet will be accountable for the outcomes for Georgia’s children as tracked in the Annie E. Casey Kids Count.
Mandate: The Early Childhood Development Authority was established by the Kentucky Legislature (KRS 200.700).
Membership: The authority consists of the 16 members, a list of which is available at www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/200-00/700.PDF.
Function/Goal: The Early Childhood Development Authority shall establish priorities for programs and the expenditure of funds that include but are not limited to the following:
Mandate: Created by legislation in 2001, the Interagency System of Care Council is the State management team for ICCCY and has the responsibility for collecting and analyzing data and funding strategies and making recommendations to the ICCCY and the legislature.
Membership: Members include the superintendent of public education; executive directors of Mental Health, Health, Human Services, and Rehabilitation departments; the executive director of the Division of Medicaid, Office of the Governor; and the executive director of Mississippi Families as Allies for Children’s Mental Health, Inc.
Function/Goal:
Mandate: Not available
Membership: Participating members of ECGG include high-level eligibility specialists within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Public Instruction, the Office of School Readiness/More at Four, the NC Partnership for Children (Smart Start), the NC Interagency Coordinating Council, the NC Head Start Collaboration Office, Child Care Resource and Referral Council Management, and the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute.
Function/Goal: ECGG is responsible for ensuring coordination among programs that serve children and their families. Programs targeted for coordination by the ECGG provide important child and family services such as Medicaid, Health Choice, TANF, Food Stamps, child care subsidy, early intervention, and prekindergarten for at-risk preschoolers.
Mandate: The Child Care Coordination Council was established by Executive Order 2001-23.
Membership: The Council includes a representative from the following agencies or organizations:
Additional members represent local United Way/Success By 6 programs, Voices for SC’s Children (a child care advocacy organization), faith-based community service organizations, CCR&R agencies, and child care providers from local communities. The Council was consulted in the development of the CCDF Plan. Individual and/or small group meetings were held with the Catawba Indian Nation, Head Start, SCDSS Family Independence (i.e., TANF) and Child Care Regulatory departments.
Function/Goal: The Council’s purpose is to maximize child care expertise in the State. The Council provides stakeholders with a forum to share information, exchange ideas, provide input on State plans, and develop and coordinate strategies to improve the child care system in the State.
Mandate: The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth was created by legislation in 1988 (Tennessee Code Annotated, Sec. 37-3-100).
Membership: The Commission consists of 21 members appointed by the governor, which include at least one member from each of the State’s nine development districts. The advisory group consists of five youth members. A list of members is available at www.tennessee.gov/tccy/commiss.html.
Function/Goal:
Web: www.illinois.gov/gov/elc/
Mandate: The Council is governed by Public Act 93-380, the Illinois Early Learning Council Act.
Membership: Council members serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis; represent both public and private organizations; and reflect the regional, cultural, and racial diversity of Illinois. Members serve 3-year terms, except for the initial appointments; half of the initial members were appointed to a 2-year term so that terms are staggered. The president of the senate, minority leader of the senate, speaker of the house of representatives, and minority leader of the house of representatives each appoint one member to the council. All other members are appointed by the governor. A list of current members is available at www.illinois.gov/gov/elc/members.cfm.
Function/Goal: The council is to meet the early learning needs of children from birth to age 5 and their families by establishing a high-quality, accessible, and comprehensive statewide early learning system. The Early Learning Council is focused on several interrelated priorities:
Detailed information about goals and objectives is available at www.illinois.gov/gov/elc/goals.cfm.
There is no entity in charge of coordination; however, the project Sunny Start: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, funded through the ECCS grant, brings together key stakeholders in the private and public sector to coordinate the delivery of early childhood services.
Web: www.in.gov/isdh/21190.htm
Mandate: The project began in July of 2003 with the ECCS grant from MCHB.
Membership: Members include key stakeholders representing families, State agencies, professional trade associations, public and private early childhood providers, etc. A list of members is available at www.in.gov/isdh/21247.htm.
Function: The mission of the project was to develop a strategic plan to support a coordinated system of resources and supports for young children from birth through age 5 and their families in Indiana. The goal of the project is to ensure that Indiana’s children arrive to school healthy and ready to learn. Some of the functions include the following:
Web: www.ecic4kids.org/
Mandate: ECIC was formed in August of 2005 after Governor Granholm called for its creation during her State of the State Speech. ECIC is a public nonprofit corporation created by an interlocal agreement.
Membership: ECIC is governed by a 15-member Executive Committee of the Corporate Board. The list of board members is available at www.ecic4kids.org/board_staff.cfm.
Function/Goal: ECIC was created to ensure that every young child in Michigan arrives at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed in school and with parents who are committed to educational achievement. Accomplishing this goal is not the work of any one organization or individual, but will take the combined efforts of parents, community leaders, businesses, the legislature, State and local governments, faith-based organizations, and philanthropy. ECIC is charged with implementing the Great Start Blueprint, which involves a vision and mission aimed at ensuring a Great Start for Michigan’s children aged birth to 5. The Great Start Blueprint is available at www.ecic4kids.org/Great_Start_Blueprint.doc.
Mandate: The State Advisory Council on Early Education and Care was created in the omnibus supplemental budget bill, in the spring of 2008. Additional information is available at www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=5&doctype=Chapter&year=2005&type=1.
Membership: The council includes two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker and one appointed by the minority leader; and two members of the senate, appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration, including one member of the minority; and two parents with a child under age six.
Function: This council is charged with fulfilling the duties required under the Federal Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007. The following duties are added to those assigned to the council under Federal law:
Mandate: This board was created by Section 18 Coordination of Early Care and Education Programs, Article 7, Chapter 5, in Laws of Minnesota 2005 First Special Session, available at www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/laws/?id=5&doctype=Chapter&year=2005&type=1.
Membership: The commissioners of education, human services, and health shall identify how they will coordinate activities and resources, with input from local communities and Tribal governments.
Function: The commissioners shall report to the Senate and House of Representatives committees having jurisdiction over early care and education by March 1, 2006. The report included information about how State agencies are doing the following:
The report is available at http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/EarlyLearning/documents/Report/009191.pdf.
Web: www.ohiofcf.org/
Mandate: The Family and Children First Cabinet Council was established through the Ohio Revised Code 121.37 [Title 1, Chapter 121 State Departments Miscellaneous].
Membership: The State agency members include the superintendent of public instruction and representatives from the Office of Budget and Management and from the departments of Job and Family Services, Health, Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Youth Services, and Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. The council has an advisory board consisting of 14 members. The purpose of the board is to provide guidance to the Family and Children First Cabinet Council regarding efforts to meet Ohio’s commitments to child well being. The Advisory Board includes one member from the Governor’s Office, two members of the House of Representatives, each from a different political party, and two members of the Senate, each from a different political party. In addition, the governor, speaker of the house, and president of the senate will each appoint three members of the general public who access services provided by one of the State agencies represented by the council.
Function/goal: In seeking to fulfill its purpose, the council may do any of the following:
Additional information about the council’s responsibilities is available at www.ohiofcf.org/documents/orc.pdf.
Web: www.collaboratingpartners.com/contact.html
Mandate: There is no mandate, and the group is not sanctioned by the State government.
Membership: WECCP is a network of State, regional, and community members; public and private entities; State departments, agencies, and associations; and people working together to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families encompassing the areas of early care and education, health, mental health, parent education, and family support. WECCP operates within a structure that includes the following:
Function/goal: WECCP’s objectives are as follows:
Web: www.arkansas.gov/childcare/services/aecc/index.html
Mandate: The Arkansas Early Childhood Commission was created by Act 202 of 1989 (Arkansas Code Annotated 20-78-501). Its functions, duties, and power were amended through Act 324 of 1999.
Membership: There are 18 members in the Early Childhood Commission who are appointed by the governor, and are as follows:
A list of members is available at www.arkansas.gov/childcare/services/aecc/commissioners.html.
Function/Goal: The primary functions include the following:
Web: www.arkansas.gov/childcare/services/aeccsi/index.html
Mandate: The AECCS Initiative was approved with the submission of the ECCS grant in July 2006. This initiative is currently in the beginning stages of implementation.
Membership: The council is divided into workgroups, and each group has a cochair and members that represent various State agencies, such as the following:
Function/Goal: The primary function of the council is to increase children and their families’ access to health care and well-being services. This is accomplished through five different work groups that focus on different areas of concern:
Web: Not available
Mandate: BrightStart was created through funding by the Federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau in September 2006.
Membership: Membership includes representatives from State agencies and child care organizations, including the Department of Social Services.
Function/Goal: The primary function of BrightStart is to support and implement the Louisiana Law HCR 157 passed by legislation in 2005, which specifically states that State entities providing services to young children must collaborate to support a comprehensive early childhood system.
Web: www.gov.state.la.us/ldbc/childrenscabinet/ChildrensHome.htm
Mandate: The Louisiana Children’s Cabinet was created by Act 5 of the 1998 Extraordinary Session and re-established through Act 245. Additional information is available at www.gov.state.la.us/ldbc/sb966.pdf.
Membership: Members include representatives from the following:
The governor appoints the executive director of the council. A list of members is available at www.gov.state.la.us/ldbc/childrenscabinet/ChildrensCabinetMembers.htm.
Function/Goal: The functions of the council include the following:
Goals are available at www.gov.state.la.us/ldbc/childrenscabinet/ChildrensCabinetGoals.htm.
Web: www.ltgovernor.state.nm.us/childrenscabinet.php
Mandate: It was created in 2003 through an Executive Order by Governor Bill Richardson.
Membership: Membership is made up of the lieutenant governor and 11 appointed agency representatives from the following departments:
Function/Goal: The primary functions of the Children’s Cabinet include the following:
Web: www.okkids.org/
Mandate: The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth was established by legislation in 1993.
Membership: Membership includes representatives from the following agencies:
Function/Goal: The main goal of this council is to facilitate planning, partnerships, and coordination among State, public, and private agencies to develop comprehensive services for children and youth and prevent child abuse.
Web: Not available
Mandate: OPSR was created by H.B. 1094 Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Act, which was passed by legislation and signed by Governor Brad Henry in 2003. This legislation was amended in 2007.
Membership: OPSR is made up of 15 representatives, including 2 parents and a licensed child care provider who are appointed by the governor, and 13 representatives from the following agencies:
Function/Goal: The work of OPSR is to create a comprehensive policy structure that connects programs, services, ideas, and initiatives for families to ensure young children enter school with the necessary skills to succeed. OPSR will also promote best practices for existing programs, as well as coordinate private and public funds. Branded as Smart Start Oklahoma, there is a network of 16 community initiatives. In addition, the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Foundation, a private 501 3(C) organization, was established to raise private funds to support the efforts of OPSR and maximize the impact of private dollars to influence early care and education opportunities for Oklahoma’s young children.
Mandate: TECCS – Raising Texas was created through the State ECCS grant.
Membership: TECCS – Raising Texas membership includes 9 State agencies, 16 community based agencies, and 60 key stakeholders.
Function/goal: TECCS – Raising Texas focuses on strengthening the systems that support school readiness to help children enter school ready to learn. The following are the key functions:
Web: www.empowerment.state.ia.us/
Mandate: TheIowa State Empowerment Board was created in 1998 by legislation. Additional information is available at www2.legis.state.ia.us/GA/77GA/Legislation/SF/02400/SF02406/Current.html.
Membership: Members include 6 nonvoting legislators and 12 voting legislators, including a service consumer, and five State agency members. These State agencies include the following:
A list of members is available at www.empowerment.state.ia.us/Common/pdf/ieb_membership.pdf.
Function/Goal: The board’s goals include the following:
Web: www.state.ia.us/earlychildhood/
Mandate: ECI Stakeholders was created in 2002 when Iowa received the ECCS grant.
Membership: ECI Stakeholders is made up of representatives from both private and public sectors.
Function/goal: ECI Stakeholders has responsibility for the development of comprehensive early care, health, and education systems. ECI Stakeholders has formed workgroups to address key issues in the early care, health, and education systems, such as the following:
Other functions include the following:
Web: www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/Child_Care/State_Child_Care_Advisoy_Council.html
Mandate: The SCCAC is mandated through the Iowa Code (§237A.22).
Membership: SCCAC is made up of 35 members from rural and urban areas. Members are appointed and include representatives from the following:
A list of members is available at www.dhs.state.ia.us/docs/SCCAC_Members.pdf.
Function/Goal: The primary functions include the following:
Web: www.keccs.org/~eccs/home/governance/index.shtml
Mandate: Information not available
Membership: Membership includes representatives from the following:
A list of members is available at www.keccs.org/~eccs/pdf/ELCC/ELCC%20Current%20Membership%20List%204-24-2008.pdf.
Function/Goal: ELCC is an interagency group that promotes collaboration to ensure early childhood policy decisions, services, and funding streams are coordinated to maximize service delivery. ELCC is in charge of oversight regarding the development and implementation of the KECCS plans. The KECCS pan establishes the following goals:
Web: www.kschildrenscabinet.org/
Mandate: The 1999 Legislative session created the Kansas Children’s Cabinet & Trust Fund.
Membership: A list of members is available at www.kschildrenscabinet.org/cabinet_members.htm.
Function/Goal: The primary functions of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet & Trust Fund include the following:
Other functions include overseeing grants, such as the Smart Start Kansas, Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention, and the Early Childhood Block Grant.
Web: http://governor.mo.gov/boards/cgi/boards.cgi?FUNCTION=MAIN&BOARD=CHILDHOOD
Mandate: The Early Childhood Coordinating Board was established by the Revised Statute (210.102). More information is available at
www.moga.mo.gov/STATUTES/C200-299/2100000102.htm.
Membership: Members are appointed by thegovernor. A list of members is available at http://governor.mo.gov/boards/cgi/boards.cgi?FUNCTION=MEMLIST&BOARD=CHILDHOOD.
Function/Goal: The Early Childhood Coordinating Board serves as the gatekeeper for all early childhood activities in the State, and ensures there is coordination among State departments and agencies that provide services to children.
Web: www.csc.mo.gov/
Mandate: CSC was created in accordance with the Missouri Revised Statutes 210.101 and 210.102. Information about the Revised Statute 210.101 is available at www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c200-299/2100000101.htm , and information about the Revised Statute 210.102 is available at www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c200-299/2100000102.htm.
Membership: Membership is made up of senators, directors of State departments, and representatives of other government and public organizations. A list of members is available at www.csc.mo.gov/members.htm.
Function/Goal: The primary function of the CSC is to identify, evaluate, and make recommendations about the services children and families are receiving and the programs that administer these services.
Web: www.mofact.org/
Mandate: FACT was created by Governor Carnahan through an Executive Order in 1993. More information about the executive order is available at www.mofact.org/who_we_are/executive_order/.
Membership: Seven members come from the following departments:
Eight members are leaders of Missouri businesses, educational institutions, philanthropy, and/or civic organizations.
Function/Goal: The function of the council is to coordinate and reform services to improve the lives and well-being of children and families.
Web: www.nde.state.ne.us/ecicc/
Mandate: The ECICC is mandated by Article 34: Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Council. More information is available at
www.nde.state.ne.us/ecicc/ECICC-sections43-3401to3403.pdf.
Membership: Membership is made up of various stakeholders in early childhood who are appointed by the governor, and include representatives from the following:
A list of members is available at www.nde.state.ne.us/ecicc/roster0408.pdf.
Function/Goal:
Web: www.hhs.state.ne.us/LifespanHealth/Together-Kids-Families.htm
Mandate: Together for Kids and Families was created through the ECCS grant.
Membership: The Together for Kids and Families council is divided into various workgroups made up of 8–15 stakeholders, representing family and provider associations, State agencies, private and public organizations, and higher education institutions.
Function/Goal: The primary function of the Together for Kids and Families council is to help the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services partner with other stakeholders in developing services designed to meet all the needs of children and families.
Web: www.smartstartcolorado.org/about/readiness_commision.html
Mandate: ECCAT was created through House Bill 07-1062 in 2007. More information is available at www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprevention/download/pdf/hb_07_1062.pdf.
Membership: There are representatives from the public and private sector. The majority of ECCAT members represent State and local agencies and organizations involved with the four Smart Start Colorado domains—early and school-age care, health, mental health, and family support. Membership reflects the geographic and cultural diversity of local Early Childhood Councils.
Function/Goal: The Office of the Lieutenant Governor collaborated with the Colorado Department of Human Services to convene the ECCAT in January 2008. With support and collaboration from the departments of Human Services, Education, and Public Health and Environment, ECCAT members are charged with advising and supporting local Early Childhood Councils in their mission to increase and sustain quality early childhood services for children and families in Colorado. The duties and functions of the advisory team, in collaboration with the State department, shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
Web: www.smartstartcolorado.org/about/systems_team.html
Mandate: Information not available
Membership: There are representatives from the public and private sectors. A membership list is available at www.smartstartcolorado.org/about/systems_team.html.
Function/Goal: The team is a stakeholder group that provides leadership for development, implementation, and promotion of a sustainable, comprehensive early childhood system for children and families in Colorado. It does the following:
Web: www.dphhs.mt.gov/boardscouncils/earlychildhood.shtml
Mandate: The council was originally established in 1997. It was combined with the Governor’s Child Care Advisory Council in 1999.
Membership: There are representatives from the public and private sectors. The council includes local, State, and Tribal officials; educators; health care providers; parents; child care providers; and advocates for low-income families.
Function: The council helps the Department of Public Health and Human Services implement, maintain, and evaluate the effectiveness of the State’s early and school-age care programs, including the State’s Best Beginnings quality child care initiatives, the child care scholarship program, Head Start State Collaboration efforts, and the Montana Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems efforts. It advises on all aspects of CCDF, including subsidy, quality initiatives, and licensing. The council meets three times a year.
Montana is one of three States that was selected by the National Governors Association in 2006 to receive intensive technical assistance from the NGA Center for Best Practices and a grant of up to $50,000 to support building a comprehensive, coordinated early childhood (birth to age 5) system.
Web: www.healthynd.org/HND_Early_Childhood_Alliance.html
Mandate: HNDECA was created to carry out the requirements of the ECCS grant, which is received by the North Dakota Department of Health.
Membership: There are representatives from the public and private sectors. Staff from Child and Adolescent Health Services in the Department of Health, and from Early Childhood Services in the Department of Human Services, coordinate HNDECA.
Function/Goal: The goal of the grant is to develop and implement collaborations and partnerships that support the healthy development and school readiness of children birth through age 8. HNDECA has developed an early childhood systems plan that addresses the five components of the ECCS grant: children’s access to health insurance and medical homes, mental health and social-emotional development, early care and education, parent education, and family support.
Web: Not available
Mandate: The alliance was established in 2002.
Membership: There are representatives from the public and private sectors.
Function/Goal: The alliance is a statewide coalition that advocates for policies, programs, and funding that will achieve an affordable, seamless, unified, high-quality early and school-age care system in South Dakota for children birth through eighth grade.
Web: http://earlychildhoodconnections.weber.edu/NewsEvents.aspx?page=ucWhatsHappening&id=25
Mandate: The Governor’s Child and Family Cabinet Council was created by the Governor’s Executive Order 2007-0005 on June 5, 2007. Additional information is available at www.rules.utah.gov/execdocs/2007/ExecDoc127887.htm.
Membership: There are representatives from the public and private sectors, appointed by the governor. A list of required members is available in the executive order.
Function/Goal:
Web: http://earlychildhoodconnections.weber.edu/files/Blueprint.pdf
Mandate: The council is part of the Governor’s Child and Family Cabinet Council.
Membership: There are representatives from the public and private sectors.
Function/Goal: ECC serves as the advisory board for the Federal ECCS grant. The council is hosted by the Department of Health and meets quarterly. The purpose of ECC is to promote development of early childhood systems and facilitate collaboration among all interested parties in Utah.
Web: http://dfswapps.state.wy.us/DFSDivEC/Home/IndexBCI-ECDC.asp
Mandate: The council was enacted by executive order in 1997. The order was then updated in 2000.
Membership: There are representatives from the public and private sectors, appointed by the governor. A membership list is available at http://dfswapps.state.wy.us/DFSDivEC/Home/Documents/Council2007Roster.pdf.
Function/Goal:
Web: http://gocyf.az.gov/SR/BRD_AECDHB.asp
Mandate: This council was established in 2006 with the passing of Proposition 203 “First Things First.” Through Proposition 203, it was decided that ECDH will continue the work of the State School Readiness Board.
Membership: ECDH is made up ofnine members appointed by Governor Napolitano and ex-officio members from the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the directors of the departments of Health Services and Economic Security. A list of members is available at http://gocyf.az.gov/SR/BRD_AECDHBRoster.asp.
Function/Goal: The primary function of the ECDH is to coordinate services among early childhood programs to ensure the system of service delivery is efficient and cost effective and that all children are able to start school healthy and ready to succeed.
Web: http://gocyf.az.gov/EO/BRD_GCC.asp
Mandate: The Governor’s Children’s Cabinet was created by a governor’s executive order in 2003.
Membership: Members include the governor and the directors of the following departments:
Members also include the following:
A list of members is available at http://gocyf.az.gov/EO/documents/ChildrensCabinetRoster.pdf.
Function/goal: The goals of the council include the following:
Web: www.ccfc.ca.gov/
Mandate: Established by the 1998 ballot initiative Proposition 10, authorizing the California Children and Families First Act. It was amended by legislation in 1999.
Membership: Seven voting members are experts in early childhood development, care and education, social and public health services, prevention and treatment of tobacco and substance abuse services, behavioral health, and medicine. Three members, including the commission chair and county health official, are appointed by the governor. The assembly speaker and Senate Rules Committee each appoint two members. The secretary of the California Health and Human Services agency and the secretary for Education serve as ex officio members. A membership list is available at www.ccfc.ca.gov/commission/default.asp.
Function/goal: The goals of the council include the following:
Web: Not available
Mandate: This council was created by legislation in 1997 and amended in 2000. More information about the legislation is available at www.goodbeginnings.org/index.php/site/act77/.
Membership: Members include the following:
Function/Goal: The primary functions include the following:
Mandate: GBA is mandated by the 1997 State Legislature Bill 1631, which was signed into law as Act 77. Act 77 was amended in 2000.
Membership: There are 14 members that represent each one of the counties, local businesses, philanthropy organizations, early childhood professionals, consumers of early childhood services, Head Start programs, CCR&R agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics, early intervention programs, the University of Hawaii, and the Interdepartmental Council.
Function/Goal: The primary function of GBA is to coordinate the early childhood system in the State by developing strategic plans for communities about how to align children and family services.
Mandate: In 2007, HSSCO received a grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau to develop an early childhood systems team.
Membership: HSSCO membership is made up of seven State agency representatives.
Function/Goal: The primary function of the HSSCO is to facilitate collaboration among agencies to development a statewide early childhood system.
(It is in the process of being renamed the Interdepartmental Early Childhood Coordinating Council.)
Web: http://hss.state.ak.us/ocs/ECCS/
Mandate: ECCS was established with funding from a Federal Health Resources and Services Administration grant.
Membership: Membership of the ECCS includes the following:
It is in the process of being expanded to include representatives from the following:
Function/Goal: The primary function of ECCS is to coordinate the early childhood efforts in the State, such as the Best Beginnings, the System for Early Education Development, and the Strengthening Families Initiative. ECCS developed a plan that provides recommendations about how to structure a comprehensive, integrated service system for young children.
Mandate: Information not available
Membership: Panel membership will include not less than 15, nor more than 25, members from the following sectors of the community:
Function/Goal:
Web: www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/portal/alias__Rainbow/lang__en-US/tabID__3444/DesktopDefault.aspx
Mandate: The Early Childhood Coordinating Council was created through the Executive order 2006-12. More information is available at http://gov.idaho.gov/mediacenter/execorders/eo06/eo_2006-12.htm.
Membership: Members are appointed by the governor and include representatives from Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C and the ECCS Initiative, parents, legislators, United Way, Department of Labor, Department of Education, and Head Start. A list of members is available at www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/DesktopModules/Documents/
DocumentsView.aspx?tabID=0&ItemID=10963&MId=12663&wversion=Staging.
Function/Goal: The Early Childhood Coordinating Council advises the Department of Health and Welfare about matters pertaining to the ECCS Initiative and IDEA Part C Infant Toddler Programs. The Council also builds and support partnerships to maximize funding streams and reduce gaps in the service delivery.
Web: www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/CCECC/index.shtml
Mandate: Information not available
Membership: CCECC is chaired by the administrator of the Child Care Division, and membership is comprised of representatives from State and national agencies, public and private organizations, and key community groups.
Function/Goal: The primary function of the CCECC is to assist the State in developing the CCDF Plans. CCECC also partners with other State agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to implement initiatives that create systems of care that address the needs of working families but also promote the healthy development of children.
Web: www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/CCC/index.shtml
Mandate: Information not available
Membership: OCCC membership is made up of 18 members who are appointed by the governor and legislatures. A list of members is available at www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/CCC/contactList.shtml.
Function/Goal: The primary functions of OCCC include advising the governor and legislatures about issues related to child care, including issues around families’ access to affordable, high-quality care.
Web:www.oregon.gov/OCCF/about_us.shtml
Mandate: OCCF was created by legislation in 1993. It is mandated by the Oregon Revised Statutes 417.705 - 417.825. More information about the legislation is available at www.leg.state.or.us/ors/417.html.
Membership: Membership is made up of 12 members who are appointed by the governor and represent State agencies, businesses, public schools, communities, and government agencies.
Function/goal: The primary function of OCCF is to assist the State in coordinating early care and education services to support the needs of children and families.
Web: www.oregonpcf.org/
Mandate: PCF is mandated by the Senate Bill 555, passed by legislation in 1999. More information about the Senate Bill 555 is available at www.leg.state.or.us/99reg/measures/sb0500.dir/sb0555.en.html.
Membership: Information not available
Function/goal: The primary function of PCF is to lead the coordination of the early childhood systems within the State.
Web: www.del.wa.gov/partnerships/elac/
Mandate: ELAC is mandated by the 2007 Senate Bill 5828. More information is available at www.del.wa.gov/partnerships/elac/why.aspx.
Membership: ELAC membership is comprised of 25 members who represent the following:
A list of members is available at www.del.wa.gov/partnerships/elac/members.aspx.
Function/Goal: The primary function of the ELAC is to provide recommendations to DEL and help create partnerships among programs to help develop a comprehensive early learning system for children birth to 5 years and promote alignment of private and public sector actions, objectives, and resources, and to ensure school readiness.
Web: www.fpc.wa.gov/
Mandate: The council was created in by a 1992 legislation, which was amended in 1994. More information is available at www.fpc.wa.gov/FPCLaws.html.
Membership: Membership includes representatives from five State agencies that provide services to children and families, one legislator from each chamber, and a representative from the Governor’s Office. A list of members is available at www.fpc.wa.gov/People%20Resources/council.html.
Function/Goal: The primary functions of the Family Policy Council include the following:
The following selected resources include information about State early and school-age service coordinating entities.
In 2006, the NGA Center for Best Practices selected Montana, New Jersey, and South Carolina to receive intensive technical assistance and up to $50,000 to support in-state meetings and consultants over a 2-year period to assist in building comprehensive, coordinated early childhood (birth to age 5 years) systems. During 2008, NGA will support a 2-day policy meeting with State early learning council directors and sponsor four conference calls related to State early learning councils.
Project THRIVE is a public policy analysis and education initiative at the National Center for Children in Poverty to promote healthy child development and provide policy support to the State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems initiatives funded by MCHB.
MCHB launched the initiative to implement its Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Health. The purpose of the initiative is to support States and communities in their efforts to build and integrate early childhood service systems that address the critical components of access to comprehensive health services and medical homes; social-emotional development and mental health of young children; early and school-age care; parenting education; and family support. The first grants were issued in 2003. Since that time, 49 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Republic of Palau, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have participated in the initiative.