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H.B. 371
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VETOES
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Preamble
WHEREAS, Brain research confirms that the most rapid brain development
occurs in the first three years of life; and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly has recognized the immediate need for
effective strategies to prepare all children to enter school ready to learn; and
WHEREAS, The National Academy of Sciences concludes that the course of
development for young children can be altered by effective early interventions; and
WHEREAS, A key component of effective early intervention is the Program of
Hearing-Impaired Infants; and
WHEREAS, The Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program provides effective,
integrated services to young children from birth through age two three who
demonstrate a 25% delay in development, have a diagnosed condition with a high
probability of delay, or demonstrate atypical development or behavior; and
WHEREAS, Early intervention services are provided in a child's natural
environment, such as home, child care settings, and community learning centers; and
WHEREAS, Early intervention services and strategies are modeled for parents
and caregivers so that development may continue in the child's daily living routines;
and
WHEREAS, An Individualized Family Service Plan is implemented to assist
with the needs of the family, as well as the young child receiving services; and
WHEREAS, The number of children and families receiving services from the
Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program has increased 30% since 1995, with the State
appropriation remaining at $400,000 since fiscal year 1997; and
WHEREAS, The current level of available federal, State, and local funds is
insufficient to provide early intervention services to the steadily increasing number of
infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in compliance with Part C of
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and COMAR 13A.13.01; and
WHEREAS, 24% of the young children receiving early intervention through the
Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program in 2000 required no special education
services at age three; now, therefore,
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article - Education
8-416.
[(a) The Department shall be the lead agency for supervising and monitoring a
statewide, community-based interagency system of comprehensive early intervention
services to eligible infants and toddlers, birth through age 2, and their families.]
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- 5092 -
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