By Villarreal H.B. No. 3578
Line and page numbers may not match official copy.
Bill not drafted by TLC or Senate E&E.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the definition of quality child care programs.
1-3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-4 SECTION 1. Chapter 44, Human Resource Code, is amended by
1-5 adding Section 44.034(c) to read as follows:
1-6 Sec. 44.034(c). The executive director of the commission
1-7 shall define quality child care programs as those programs that
1-8 provide a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the
1-9 physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young
1-10 children. Quality child care programs include:
1-11 (1) frequent, positive, warm interactions among adults
1-12 and children,
1-13 (2) planned learning activities appropriate to
1-14 children's age and development,
1-15 (3) specially trained teachers,
1-16 (4) enough adults to respond to individual children,
1-17 (5) many, varied age-appropriate materials,
1-18 (6) a healthy and safe environment for children,
1-19 (7) nutritious meals and/or snacks,
1-20 (8) regular communication with parents who are
1-21 welcomed to observe, discuss, and recommend policies, and
1-22 participate in programs activities at all times,
1-23 (9) effective administration, and
2-1 (10) ongoing, systematic evaluation.
2-2 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
2-3 a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
2-4 provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
2-5 Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
2-6 Act takes effect September 1, 2001.