EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 49

WHEREAS, the early learning, development and education of young children is of critical importance to Alabama’s families, education system and employers;

WHEREAS, Alabama has invested in early learning, development and education programs, and has made steady progress to assure that more children receive quality early learning and development services;

WHEREAS, the federal government, in the reauthorization of Head Start in Public Law 110-134 (Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007), required states to have Advisory Councils dedicated to early education and care issues;

WHEREAS, Alabama is a national leader in addressing early childhood quality through First Class, Alabama’s voluntary quality pre-kindergarten program; and

WHEREAS, early learning systems building has a dedicated state department, the Department of Children’s Affairs, established to build systems, collaborate and identify resources for children 0-19.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley,Governor of the State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Alabama, do hereby rescind Executive Order 53, dated October 25, 2010, and designate the Alabama Children’s Policy Council as Alabama’s State Advisory Council for early childhood care and education.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that this Executive Order shall become effective immediately and shall remain in effect until amended or rescinded by the Governor.

DONE AND ORDERED this 13th day of January, 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor

ATTEST:
Jim Bennett
Secretary of State