(1) There is hereby established a statewide integrated system of early childhood councils to improve and sustain the availability, accessibility, capacity, and quality of early childhood services for children and families throughout the state. The councils shall have consistent function and structure statewide and shall be governed by the state department of human services with input, cooperation, and support services from the departments of education and public health and environment.

(2) The statewide system of early childhood councils shall consist of existing early childhood councils, renamed through this part 1 as "early childhood councils", and new councils designated and convened pursuant to this part 1, subject to available appropriations.

(3) For new councils or for existing councils or partnerships that decide to reconfigure under this part 1, the board or boards of county commissioners shall designate a convening entity, which may include but is not limited to a local resource and referral agency, a county department of human services or social services, a local school district, a department of public health, or a Colorado preschool program council. The convening entity may convene a council either as part of a single county or as part of a multi-county regional network.

(4) The state department shall determine by rule the criteria necessary for establishing a single council for an area.

(5) Nothing in this part 1 shall be construed as requiring an existing council to reconfigure or reconvene.

(6) Nothing in this part 1 shall be construed as requiring a county to establish an early childhood council or to be a part of a multi-county council.