II 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1722 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 17, 2011 Mrs. Boxer introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To improve early education, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the The Early Learning Proficiency Act.

2.

Updating title I guidance for preschool-aged children

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each State that receives funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) shall issue guidance to local educational agencies regarding allowable uses of funds under part A of title I of such Act (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) to serve preschool-aged children.

3.

Prekindergarten language instruction programs

Section 3115(d)(4) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6825(d)(4)) is amended by striking elementary school and inserting prekindergarten, elementary school,.

4.

Guidance on use of title III funds

(a)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall issue guidance to local educational agencies on the use of funds under title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.) for prekindergarten programs. (b)

Content of guidance

The guidance under subsection (a) shall promote the use by local educational agencies of funds under part B of title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6891 et seq.) for early childhood professional development systems, which systems have policies and resources that are integrated across sectors, including Head Start programs, Early Head Start programs, center-based child care programs, family child care programs, and State or locally funded prekindergarten and early intervention programs.