February 13, 2008

The rule-making process can be confusing. Here is how it works for the proposed pre-k rules:

• The current rules that are up for comment were developed jointly by the Vermont Department of Education (DOE) and the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) after a long process that included extensive input from stakeholders. 
• These rules were reviewed by the State Board of Education, which began the formal rulemaking process that includes taking public comment.
• The comment period is a time for individuals and groups to bring up anything that they feel may be a problem or technical glitch. It is also an opportunity to indicate which elements of the rules they think are good.
• After the comment period is over, the staff at DOE and DCF will review, consolidate and analyze the input and work with the two Commissioners – Richard Cate (DOE) and Steve Dale (DCF) - to come up with the final rules. The final rules will then be voted on with a simple up (yes) or down (no) vote by the Board.
• If the board votes “no”, the two Commissioners and their staff can make changes to accommodate the Board’s concerns and then re-submit the proposed rules. This has to take place over a period of time, with one Board meeting to review and a second one to vote. This would delay the process (but not for as long as a year).  Making changes would not send the rules back to the legislature.  The legislature can always make changes simply by passing additional legislation.
• The comments are viewed as the place where the people who are actually going to have to live with the rules get to weigh in so they are very important.  We encourage anyone who is submitting comments or testifying to be as detailed as possible.

The public comment period on the regulations is from January 21, 2008, to February 29, 2008. Written comments must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 29th.  Comments may be submitted by:

• Email to manuela.fonseca@state.vt.us

• Fax: (802) 828-3146 (ATTN: Manuela Fonseca)                                                                            

• Postal Mail: Manuela Fonseca, Early Education Team, Vermont Department of Education, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-2501              

One hearing was held on February 11th. Another hearing will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 3-5 p.m. at the Rutland Regional Chamber of Commerce, 256 North Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701.
                        
For more information about the rule-making process, contact Manuela Fonseca at (802) 828-3850 or manuela.fonseca@state.vt.us.

For more information about the Kids Are Priority One Coalition's involvement in the rule-making process, contact Barbara Postman, Policy Coordinator, at (802) 229-6377 or bpostman@voicesforvtkids.org.