Section 49-6-109 - Establishment of Tennessee preschool task force - Pilot programs - Rules promulgation(a) The department of education shall conduct a statewide needs analysis of preschool education in Tennessee. The analysis must include, but is not limited to, gaps between family demand for preschool services and the availability of high-quality preschool opportunities. The department shall report the results of the statewide needs analysis on the department's website no later than March 31, 2024.(b)(1) The department shall establish the Tennessee preschool task force to assist in developing a strategic plan for preschool education in this state and to provide recommendations on high-quality preschool programming.(2) Membership on the task force must include, but is not limited to:(A) A representative from the department of education;(B) A representative from the department of human services;(C) A member of the education administration committee of the house of representatives;(D) A member of the education instruction committee of the house of representatives;(E) A member of the education committee of the senate;(F) A community member; and(3) By June 1, 2024, the Tennessee preschool task force, in conjunction with the department of education, shall develop a strategic plan for preschool education in this state with recommendations on how to expand preschool opportunities. The strategic plan and recommendations must be submitted to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives.(c) Subject to available funding, the department of education shall implement a pilot program to award grant funds to five (5) LEAs to implement innovative and high-quality preschool programs in the 2023-2024 school year. The department shall assess the effects of the pilot program to inform the task force's recommendations.(d) The state board of education, in consultation with the department of education, is authorized to promulgate rules, including emergency rules, to effectuate this section. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 340, s 1, eff. 5/5/2023.