Video & Transcript Research : 'outdoor preschool'
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Pro Forma Floor Session Feb 9th, 2026 at 09:55 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1916, HB2264, HB1078, HB1687, HB1701, HB1717, HB1795, HB1859, HB2088, HB2091, HB2107, HB2109, HB2110, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2151, HB2152, HB2155, HB2165, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2228, HB2229, HB2230, HB2235, HB2238, HB2242, HB2245, HB2249, HB2253, HB2254, HB2269, HB2272, HB2283, HB2304, HB2317, HB2340, HB2343, HB2385, HB2406, HB2417, HB2426, HB2445, HB2452, HB2472, HB2492, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB2606, HB2664
Keywords:
design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- ECAP, as you all know, is the state's no-cost preschool program.
- Head Start is a federally funded no-cost preschool program.
- I oversee the educational preschool services and D.C. My name is Jeanette Wade.
- I oversee the educational preschool services and DCYF licensing for 15 classrooms.
- House Bill 299 expands access to Washington's ECAP preschool program in a way that directly...
Summary:
The Early Learning & Human Services Committee held public hearings on several child care and disability-related bills. House Bill 2317 would exempt certain ECAP and Head Start programs from DCYF licensing when they operate part-day or school-day in public school buildings or on public school property. Staff and the prime sponsor said the bill would remove duplicative licensing barriers and help expand preschool seats, especially as Washington prepares to add more ECAP slots. Testifiers from Head Start, school-linked providers, and the Washington Federation of Independent Schools supported the bill, describing licensing delays, added costs, and lost classroom time; no one testified in opposition.
The committee also heard House Bill 2099, which would expand ECAP access for military families with incomes up to Working Connections Child Care limits and adjust prioritization for families with deployed or single custodial military parents. The prime sponsor and multiple supporters, including retired military leaders, Head Start/ECAP advocates, ESD staff, and a military-community partnership, said military families face frequent moves, deployment-related strain, and child care shortages that affect readiness and family stability. Testifiers said the bill would help families access care without changing the program’s low-income focus or adding state cost.
House Bill 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and family members when a residential habilitation center is found out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to provide follow-up notices on correction and enforcement actions. The sponsor said the bill responds to limited communication around recent noncompliance issues at Rainier School and would improve transparency; DSHS had requested a narrow amendment about how notice is provided to residents. Disability rights advocates strongly supported the bill, saying families need timely information to protect loved ones and make informed decisions.
Finally, House Bill 2318 would let ECAP and Head Start children count toward the 5% subsidy participation threshold needed for Early Achievers quality improvement awards. Supporters said the current rule can discourage providers from enrolling ECAP children because it risks losing an award, even though ECAP already requires Early Achievers participation. The sponsor and testifiers described the bill as a small fix to reduce a funding disincentive for providers serving high-need children. The committee took no votes and adjourned after closing the hearings on all four bills.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> were second in the nation for preschool were second in the nation for preschool trailing<00:03:31.640
- Uh, so in, um, for preschoolers, the ratio for preschoolers is, um, for staff to children is 1 to 10,
- 01:04:17.920><c> a</c><01:04:18.039><c> preschool</c> allowed in a preschool allowed in a preschool room
- for preschoolers the ratio for preschoolers<01:04:45.760><c> is</c><01:04:46.200><c> um</c><01:04:46.440
- </c> public school-based preschool public school-based preschool programs<01:04:58.920><c> okay</c><01
Keywords:
child care, childcare, day care, daycare, licensing, variance, licensed capacity, capacity limit, staff qualifications, staffing, child care center, family child care, provider flexibility, Minnesota career lattice, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, licensing rules, enrollment, indoor space, professional development
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Since July of 2025, we have provided services to 58 infants, as I indicated, 34 preschool-age students
- And then on top of that, there would be a preschool designation that would replace the current preschool
- license and allow a preschool designation to layer on top of either program... ...type 2 or program
- we were aware that some programs that are preschool, they operate less than three hours a day.
- We have other programs that have preschool, but they’re part of a multiple license.
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing.
The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies.
Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Investing in this preschool means investing in Hāwī? families, businesses, and workforce.
- Investing in this preschool means investing in Hāwī? families, businesses, and workforce.
- Investing in this preschool means investing in Hāwī? families, businesses, and workforce.
- Akana from K Preschool Family Learning Centers.
- Kawai Economic Opportunity not present. preschool<02:32:18.120><c> hello</c> preschool hello preschool
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief.
Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility.
Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- No doubt there is a robust conversation in the preschool and early elementary sector on literacy.
- Commonwealth, through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, or CPPI.
- No doubt there is a robust conversation in the preschool and early elementary sector on literacy.
- Outdoor advertising budget, what does that revenue bring in?
- Outdoor advertising budget, what does that revenue bring in? I don't know the total on this one.
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 55, the governor’s FY25 supplemental budget proposal to spend about $1.3 billion in surplus Fair Share revenue. House and Senate chairs framed the bill as a one-time opportunity to invest fairly in education and transportation, while also noting the need to protect the state’s long-term fiscal balance. Administration officials said the proposal should be considered alongside the FY26 budget and related bills, since the governor’s broader Fair Share plan aims for roughly an even split between education and transportation over time.
Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz, Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, and Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler outlined the administration’s priorities. Transportation funding would go mainly to the MBTA and related reserves, including money for the Federal Transit Administration reserve, MBTA stabilization reserve, low-income fares, winter resilience, RTA workforce support, MassDOT workforce and project delivery, and micro-transit grants. Education funding would support universal preschool expansion, early education and care capacity, early literacy tutoring, adult basic education and ESOL, early college and career technical education, MyCAP expansion, and special education circuit breaker funding. The administration emphasized that many of these investments are one-time or multi-year measures designed to address current needs without creating unsustainable recurring costs.
Committee members raised concerns about regional equity, especially the large share of transportation money going to the MBTA versus regional transit authorities and rural areas. Several members asked for more detail on how the proposal would benefit Western Massachusetts and other non-MBTA regions, and whether micro-transit and Chapter 90-related investments would be sufficient. Education questions focused on special education reimbursement shortfalls, federal funding cuts to school districts, and how CTE and vocational investments would align students with workforce needs. The administration said it would provide additional data on MBTA versus RTA investment and explained that the special education circuit breaker and transportation reimbursement changes were intended to improve predictability and relief for districts.
After the administration panel, Jessica Tang of AFT Massachusetts testified in support of using Fair Share funds to protect public education amid federal uncertainty and cuts. She argued that schools are facing a fiscal cliff, that vulnerable students would be hit hardest by funding losses, and that the Fair Share revenue should be used to preserve services and support students’ needs.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA-EDU, EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Transcript Highlights:
- Now that we have preschool, the questions are: are preschools making a difference?
- are,</c><01:58:36.800><c> are</c> preschool, the questions are, are preschool, the questions are, are
- </c> preschool no they didn't go to preschool preschool no they didn't go to preschool yes<02:00:53.760
- Did the did the child attend<02:04:19.760><c> preschool?
- Did the child attend preschool?
Bills:
SB2003
Keywords:
Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict.
Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose.
The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1.
The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- preschools preschools okay okay okay okay<00:01:57.759><c> our</c><00:01:58.039><c> first</c><00:01:
- Mahalo again for your efforts in ensuring that we have access to preschool throughout the state.
- </c><00:02:28.720><c> classrooms</c> opened up over 50 preschool classrooms opened up over 50 preschool
- </c> allocating funding for public preschool allocating funding for public preschool teachers<00:12:55.920
- </c><00:14:11.240><c> at</c> equipment for building the preschools at equipment for building the preschools
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I run Thunder Mountain Bike Park, own Catamount, Nagymont, and Zora Outdoor.
- Our instructional approach is deeply interactive, whether in a cross-grade project, an outdoor learning
- My daughter experienced early childhood trauma, and finding a preschool that was responsive to her needs
- Since coming to Warwick, my four-year-old daughter has not only met preschool standards but is reading
- This is the first preschool program my daughter has been in that sees her holistically and supports her
Summary:
The hearing focused primarily on H. 517/S. 314, a bill to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, and H. 697, a bill to require full funding of regional school transportation. Witnesses from rural districts, school committees, superintendents, students, and local officials described chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, high fixed costs, special education and transportation burdens, and the loss of programs, staff, and extracurriculars. Several speakers argued that rural aid should be funded at $60 million annually and made non-discretionary, while others emphasized that transportation reimbursement for regional districts has repeatedly fallen short of the state’s promise and is driving budget crises and overrides. A number of students testified in support of rural aid, describing cuts to classes, counselors, and activities, and the impact on their schools and communities. Committee members also discussed whether transportation policy should be revisited to address underlying cost drivers, including bus bidding practices and whether regional districts should have more flexibility in transportation requirements.
The committee also heard H. 515, concerning Hancock Elementary School and a school choice-related exemption from a state requirement that has created a large financial burden for the district. Hancock’s superintendent and Rep. John Barrett explained that a decades-old regulation, recently enforced by DESE, would require Hancock to pay tuition for choice-in students through high school graduation even though the district only serves pre-K through grade 6 and sends its own students elsewhere for middle and high school. They said the rule creates a significant per-student shortfall and has forced Hancock to opt out of school choice. Committee members asked for clarification about how the arrangement works and how the costs fall on Hancock.
Additional testimony supported related transportation bills for non-regional districts, especially Plymouth/Carver and North Middlesex, describing high and rising bus costs, special education and McKinney-Vento transportation expenses, and the strain on local budgets. Speakers repeatedly said that state reimbursement has not matched actual costs and that communities are being forced to choose between transportation and classroom services. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed the hearing on the bills discussed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Keywords:
crossbow, crossbow hunting, archery season, deer hunting, bear hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, common carp, rough fish, game and fish, wildlife management, hunting license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, sunset clause, expiration removal, archery equipment, outdoor recreation, infectious waste, pathological waste
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Keywords:
HB277, 2A Sales Tax Holiday, firearms tax exemption, ammunition, hunting supplies, sales tax holiday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Second Amendment, gun tax holiday, gun rights, outdoor gear, hunting equipment, state sales tax, use tax, local option tax exemption, county opt-in, municipal opt-in, Department of Revenue, Alabama
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- this committee was able to visit Representative Marshall's district this interim, where there is an outdoor
- this committee was able to visit Representative Marshall's District, this interim, where there is an outdoor
- the James Beard Award-winning chefs, direct home deliveries, food and meal programs, as well as preschools
- logistics in the last miles delivery system, this enables new opportunities that…” programs as well as preschools
- qualifying private entities, or indigent persons, on the conditions that the property be used for the preschool
Keywords:
remote learning, hybrid learning, education reform, alternative education, student engagement, local food, public schools, nutrition, sustainability, agriculture, technology access, educational resources, surplus hardware, student support, 904, all
Summary:
The House Education Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2142 would replace statutory references to “alternative learning experience” with “remote and hybrid learning.” Staff explained that ALE programs currently include online, remote, and site-based courses, and the bill would change terminology across multiple statutes. The prime sponsor and a retired principal testified that the change is intended to reduce stigma and more accurately describe programs like River Home Link, while committee members raised concerns that the new wording could unintentionally capture fully in-person programs. Testimony was largely supportive, and the public hearing closed with 52 in favor, 4 opposed, and 0 other.
The committee then heard HB 2369, which would create the Washington Local Food for Schools program within OSPI to expand procurement and distribution of Washington-grown foods to schools using the USDA food distribution system. Staff and the sponsor said the bill would codify and expand existing farm-to-school efforts, reduce logistical barriers for districts and local producers, and support local agriculture. Testifiers included OSPI, food hubs, farm-to-school advocates, school district leaders, farmers, and students, all speaking in support and describing benefits such as fresher meals, stronger local economies, and educational connections to agriculture. The hearing closed with 455 in favor, 64 opposed, and 1 other.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2432, which would allow school districts and ESDs to sell or grant surplus technology hardware, such as laptops and tablets, directly to public school students and recent graduates at depreciated cost, with priority for students with the greatest need. The sponsor said the bill would help students access devices for jobs, college, and postsecondary transitions, while staff noted existing law already addresses assistive devices for students with disabilities. Testimony from district technology and finance officials supported the bill as a practical way to extend the life of equipment and improve student access at home. The hearing closed with 57 in favor, 5 opposed, and 0 other. The chair then announced amendment deadlines for upcoming bills and adjourned the committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the executive director of Meadow Park Preschool and Child Care Center in Rochester, Minnesota, and
- My name is Christina Killian Valdez, and I'm the director of Listos Preschool and Childcare in Rochester
- </c><01:15:10.560><c> and</c> I'm the director of Listos Preschool and I'm the director of Listos Preschool
- In reality, that morning, a family had replenished their preschool child's bathroom wipes with a new
- child's bathroom wipes with a preschool child's bathroom wipes with a new<01:16:21.600><c> package</
Keywords:
HF1918, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, child welfare, foster care, out-of-home placement, permanency planning, relative search, noncustodial parent, kinship care, family preservation, African American Child and Family Well-Being, racial disproportionality, maltreatment reporting, educational neglect, truancy, school attendance, Great Start compensation, child care provider payments, TEACH early childhood program
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Sep 4th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, 48% of all the folks in the room polled outdoor. So, it's just great.
- I mean, outdoor recreation is great; it's great in the region.
- Think about who spends time in the outdoors? I do. You know how much it costs.
- And we're going to invest $30 million in outdoor restroom facilities.
- And really finding folks who want to be in the outdoors and are part of the outdoors.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, I oversee preschool services for 160 ECEAP slots and 119 Head Start children and families.
- Currently, I oversee preschool services for 160 eCAP slots and 119 Head Start children and families.
- Another classroom that we but. safe for developmental preschool children.
- Christina, my question is around our outdoor play areas, because I know, especially in schools, they
- In these two situations I brought up, these are preschool playgrounds that were designed specifically
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several House education bills. HB 1796 would allow school districts, under existing debt limits and with voter-approved capital levies, to issue non-voted bonds for certain new construction projects. The sponsor and school district witnesses said it would let districts front-fund projects, speed construction, and reduce inflation-related costs; a member of the public opposed it as bypassing voters. HB 2317 would exempt school-day ECEAP and Head Start programs located in public school or community/technical college buildings from child care licensing. The sponsor and providers said the current licensing process is duplicative, delays services, and creates barriers to expanding early learning; no opposition was heard.
The committee also heard HB 2594, which would codify McKinney-Vento homeless student protections in state law, require OSPI planning and reporting, and reinforce district responsibilities for students experiencing homelessness. The sponsor gave personal testimony about experiencing homelessness as a student, and advocates said the bill would improve coordination and accountability at no added cost. For HB 2557, which requires school districts to give parents a copy of special education evaluation reports by the 35th school day and hold the eligibility meeting at least five school days later, the sponsor said it would give families time to review reports; school psychologists and OSPI supported the substitute version, while some advocates asked for shorter timelines and clearer waiver language.
After the hearings, the committee moved to executive session and advanced two bills: Substitute HB 2360, allowing schools to maintain and use stock albuterol under specified conditions, and Engrossed Substitute HB 2534, updating requirements for military families’ enrollment, records transfer, and related services. Both bills received due pass recommendations and were sent to Rules, with no recorded opposition in the executive session.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Since July of 2025, we have provided services to 58 infants, as I indicated, 34 preschool-age students
- On top of that, there would be a preschool designation that would replace the current preschool license
- and allow a preschool designation to layer on top of either program type 2 or program type 3.
- So long as the program had qualified staff and preschool curriculum as determined by the department.
- We have other programs that have preschool, but they're part of a multiple license.
Summary:
The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models.
The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively.
Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Since July of 2025, we have provided services to 58 infants, as I indicated, 34 preschool-age students
- On top of that, there would be a preschool designation that would replace the current preschool license
- as the program had qualified staff and preschool curriculum as determined by the department.
- Furthermore, the committee does recommend that that outdoor space requirement exemption for programs
- We have other programs that have preschool, but they're part of a multiple license.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Feb 18th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Early Learning & K-12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, I oversee preschool services for 160 ECEAP slots and 119 Head Start children and families.
- Another classroom that we but. safe for developmental preschool children.
- Christina, my question is around our outdoor play areas, because I know, especially in schools, they
- In these two situations I brought up, these are preschool playgrounds that were designed specifically
- I'm just, I want to make sure that we're delineating what is created specifically for preschool children
Bills:
HB1796
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/20/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- 01:15:20.639><c> uh</c> round of money so there are still uh round of money so there are still uh outdoor
- He was 3, 4, around preschool age at the time, and I just... they both had various diagnoses, and I just
- He was 3, 4, around preschool age at the time, and I just... they both had various diagnoses, and I just
- He was 3, 4, around preschool age at the time, and I just... they both had various diagnoses, and I just
- age he was was 3 four around preschool age he was was 3 four around the<01:39:55.800><c> time</c><01
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2026 men's outdoor track and field national men's outdoor track
- The 2026 title outdoors was the 11th NCAA outdoor championship for our Hogs and the 53rd, yes, 53rd national
- The current law prohibits firearms on K through 12 campuses, but it does not cover preschools like my
- The current law prohibits firearms on K through 12 campuses, but it does not cover preschools like my
- safety protections to our youngest learners at preschools and early childhood education campuses.