1. (1) Each biennium, the Department of Early Learning and Care shall conduct an evaluation of Early Learning Hubs that assesses the efficacy of the Early Learning Hubs with respect to:

   1. (a) Creating an aligned, coordinated and family-centered system of early learning services;
   2. (b) Increasing coordination and collaboration among entities involved in, and providers of services related to, early learning services, education and health and human services;
   3. (c) Increasing focus on outcomes; and
   4. (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. (2) An evaluation performed under subsection (1) of this section must also assess, with respect to Early Learning Hubs:

   1. (a) Governance structure;
   2. (b) Funding mechanisms and metrics for providing funding; and
   3. (c) Compilation and use of data.
3. (3) The department may contract with a third party to perform an evaluation required by this section.
4. (4) No later than March 15 of each odd-numbered year, the department 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; 2021 c.631 §57]