|
Today, Governor Mike Parson signed HB 2365 into law, which removes the pilot designation and extends the state’s voluntary quality assurance pilot program for early care and education providers for another five years. HB 2365, a top policy priority for Aligned sponsored by Representative Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), worked its way through the session with little-to-no opposition, symbolizing how far the state has advanced in its support for early learning.
The state's QAR program will enable the Office of Childhood to define quality and then identify the supports and incentives needed to drive continuous improvement for these programs and services.
“If you want to change society, it starts with early childhood education,” said Governor Parson. He added that it’s hard to change bureaucracy but creating the Office of Childhood (OOC) will make a positive impact on the future of the state. Representative Shields thanked the Governor for his commitment to Missouri’s children and for his work create the OOC.
“Lifelong learning starts with quality early learning,” said Shields. “This bill will allow parents to know where to send their children for quality early childhood education.”
Aligned appreciates the leadership of Governor Parson and the hard work of Representative Shields, Senator Dan Hegeman and the numerous advocates who supported this legislation.
| 
