(a) Creating an aligned, coordinated and family-centered system of early learning services;
(b) Increasing coordination and collaboration among entities involved in, and providers of services related to, early learning services, education and health and human services;
(c) Increasing focus on outcomes; and
(d) Improving outcomes, including but not limited to outcomes associated with school readiness, for populations defined by statute or rule as being at-risk.
(2) An evaluation performed under subsection (1) of this section must also assess, with respect to Early Learning Hubs:
(a) Governance structure;
(b) Funding mechanisms and metrics for providing funding; and
(c) Compilation and use of data.
(3) The council may contract with a third party to perform an evaluation required by this section.
(4) No later than March 15 of each odd-numbered year, the council shall submit a report to the interim legislative committees on education and early learning regarding the findings and recommendations made as a result of an evaluation performed under this section. The report shall include any recommendations for legislative changes based upon the findings and recommendations made as a result of the evaluation. [2015 c.773 §2; 2017 c.399 §1]