Early childhood workforce development initiatives.

Sec. 32v. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $21,700,000.00, and from the great start readiness reserve fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $8,300,000.00 to implement early childhood workforce development initiatives. (2) The department must award funding under this section to an intermediate district or a consortium of intermediate districts to serve as a fiscal agent. In collaboration with the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, the department shall direct funds allocated to an intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts for initiatives that will support any of the following objectives: (a) Increasing the number of early childhood workers in the great start readiness program, child care, and Head Start. (b) Enhancing professional development and career advancement opportunities for early childhood workers. (c) Implementing early childhood worker recruitment and retention strategies, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) Stipends, grants, or reimbursements for eligible postsecondary costs, travel, or housing expenses, as determined by the department. (ii) Bonus or incentive payments, or implementation of compensation structures intended to recruit, retain, or reward eligible early childhood workers. (iii) Payment of costs associated with the provision of health care, retirement, or paid leave benefits to early childhood workers. (iv) Matching costs for any other funds allocated to enhance or supplement the implementation of initiatives eligible under this section. (d) Administering the funds under this section and data collection efforts in partnership with at least 1 public university located in this state. At a minimum, data collection efforts must evaluate the effectiveness of early childhood workforce initiatives funded. Total administration and data collection costs must not exceed 5% of the funds allocated under this section. (3) Funds allocated under this section for 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to support the implementation of early childhood workforce development initiatives. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2029. (4) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.