2024 Boards and Commissions

Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Council

General Information

Formal Name:Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Council
Contact Person:Karen Hoffman, Council Secretary
Purpose:The Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Council was established by Nebraska Revised Statutes (Neb.Rev.Stat.) 43-3401 to 43-3403 to advise and assist collaborating agencies in carrying out the provisions of state and federal statutes pertaining to early childhood care and education initiatives under state supervision.With respect to the Early Intervention Act, the Quality Child Care Act, and sections 79-1101 to 79-1104, the ECICC serves in an advisory capacity to state agencies responsible for early childhood care and education, including care for school-age children. (Neb.Rev.Stat. 43-3402)With respect to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, the ECICC serves as the State Interagency Coordinating Council to carry out the functions described in P.L. 108-446 Section 641 (20 U.S.C. 1441).With respect to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, the ECICC serves as the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care, as designated by Governor Heineman, to carry out the responsibilities described in P.L.110-134, Section 642B (42 U.S.C. 9837b).
How Many Affectable:This Council advises & assists state agencies regarding policies & regulations relating to school district early childhood programs, licensed child care, services affecting families of young children with disabilities, & other services.
How Many Served:The total number of children and families served is not available.
Year Created:1991
Year Active:1991-present
Sunset Date:NA

Authorization

Authorization Citation:Neb.Rev.Stat. 43-3401 to 43-3403
Parent Agency:NE Departments of Education and Health and Human Services

Memberships and Meetings

Number Of Members:There are 31 positions for appointment on the Council as required by Federal and State Statutes.
Who Appoints:Governor
Legislative Approval:NA
Qualifications Of Members:Must meet requirements listed within IDEA Part C, Head Start for School Readiness Act, and Quality Child Care Act.
Per Diem:NA
Expense Reimbursement:Allowable for non-state agency members following state reimbursement policies.
Term Length:Three years, with members able to request Governor reappointment for one, additional three-year term.
Terms Rotate or Expire At Once:Terms Rotate

Meetings Required In:

Required FY 21-22:4
Held FY 21-22:4
Required FY 22-23:4
Held FY 22-23:4
Required FY 23-24:4
Held FY 23-24:4

Operations

Support Staff:1
Shared or Separate:shared
FY 21-22 Budget:$10,000
FY 22-23 Budget:$10,000
FY 23-24 Budget:$10,000
Other Funding Sources:IDEA Part C, Child Care Development Fund, State General Funds
Spending Authority:See above federal and state regulation citations.

Accomplishments

Since July 1, 2020:Biennial Governors Reports, Annual IDEA Part C Performance Report submissions to the US Department of Education, review and provide recommendations in the areas of early childhood policy, funding and resources, data enhancements, gaps and barriers in services, and coordination and collaboration among programs and agencies. The ECICC also serves as a stakeholder group for grants and reports about early childhood that are required or conducted under statutory authority by state agencies. The Council receives updates on state initiatives and policy related to young children and their families, as well as information about local and regional early childhood programs and services.