Sec. 5. (a) The early learning advisory committee is established to do the following:

(1) Conduct periodic statewide needs assessments concerning the quality and availability of early education programs for children from birth to the age of school entry, including the availability of high quality prekindergarten education for low income children in Indiana.

(2) Identify opportunities for, and barriers to, collaboration and coordination among federally and state funded child development, child care, and early childhood education programs and services, including governmental agencies that administer the programs and services.

(3) Assess the capacity and effectiveness of two (2) and four (4) year public and private higher education institutions in Indiana for the support of development of early educators, including:

(A) professional development and career advancement plans; and

(B) practice or internships with Head Start or prekindergarten programs.

(4) Other duties as determined necessary by the chairperson of the committee.

(5) Not later than June 30 of each year, develop and make recommendations to the governor and, in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6, to the legislative council concerning the results of the committee's work under subdivisions (1) through (4).

(b) The committee consists of six (6) members appointed by the governor as follows:

(1) A representative of the department of education.

(2) A representative of the division.

(3) A representative of a Head Start program under 42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.

(4) A representative of a family advocacy group that has an interest in early childhood education.

(5) An early childhood education provider.

(6) A representative of business with an interest in early childhood education.

(c) The governor shall appoint the chairperson of the committee.

(d) The division shall staff the committee.

(e) The expenses of the committee shall be paid from the funds of the division.

(f) Each member of the committee who is not a state employee is entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). The member is also entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency.

(g) Each member of the committee who is a state employee but who is not a member of the general assembly is entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency.

(h) Each member of the committee who is a member of the general assembly is entitled to receive the same per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid to legislative members of interim study committees established by the legislative council. Per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid under this section shall be paid from appropriations made to the legislative council or the legislative services agency.

(i) The affirmative votes of a majority of the voting members appointed to the committee are required for the committee to take action on any measure, including final reports.

As added by P.L.2-2014, SEC.73.