45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

FOR THE EDUCATION INITIATIVES AND ACCOUNTABILITY TASK FORCE

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE OFFICE OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO COLLABORATE IN DEVELOPING APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND MATERIALS TO ASSIST LICENSED DAYCARE PROVIDERS IN PROVIDING EARLY LITERACY AND READING READINESS SKILLS IN THE CHILD DAYCARE ENVIRONMENT.

WHEREAS, the latest research relating to early childhood learning has shown that literacy-rich environments for children before they enter kindergarten or the first grade can significantly enhance children's success in school and life; and

WHEREAS, child-care providers who provide literacy-rich environments to the children in their care can become a significant part of enhancing children's success in school and later life; and

WHEREAS, licensed daycare providers can help the children in their care acquire early literacy or reading readiness skills by: reading to them; providing appropriate reading materials to them; engaging them in language building games; promoting literacy-related play activities; encouraging them to experiment with writing; providing opportunities for them to draw, color and paint; and taking them to the library;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health, the office of child development of the children, youth and families department and the state department of public education be requested to collaborate in developing appropriate training and materials to assist licensed daycare providers in providing early literacy and reading readiness skills in the child daycare environment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health, the office of child development of the children, youth and families department and the state department of public education report to the legislative education study committee and the legislative finance committee during the 2001 legislative interim about funding requirements necessary to train and prepare materials for licensed daycare providers in the providing of literacy-rich environments to the children in their care; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chairmen of the legislative education study committee and the legislative finance committee, the superintendent of public instruction, the secretary of children, youth and families and the secretary of health.