(1) The State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC), located in the Office of the Governor, is (a) to assist the State Department of Education with the implementation of the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013, (b) to ensure coordination among the various agencies and programs serving preschool children in order to support school district’s efforts to achieve the goal of readiness to start school, (c) to facilitate communication, cooperation and maximum use of resources and to promote high standards for all programs serving preschool children and their families in Mississippi, (d) to serve as the designated council for early childhood education and care pursuant to federal Public Law 110-134, and (e) to carry out any responsibilities assigned to SECAC by the Governor and/or by applicable federal law.

(2) The membership of the State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC) in accordance with Public Law 110-134, shall include the following members to be appointed by the Governor:

(a) A representative of the Mississippi Department of Human Services;

(b) A representative of the Mississippi Department of Education;

(c) A representative of local educational agencies;

(d) A representative of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Education;

(e) A representative of local providers of early childhood education and care services from each congressional district;

(f) A representative from Head Start agencies located in the state, including Indian Head Start programs and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs as available;

(g) The State Director of Head Start Collaboration;

(h) The Part C Coordinator and/or the Section 619 Coordinator of programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 USC 1419, 1431 et seq.);

(i) A representative of the Mississippi Department of Health;

(j) A representative of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health; and

(k) Representatives of other entities deemed relevant by the Governor.