POWERS AND DUTIES.

(a) The task force shall:

(1) examine governance and operational challenges in the early childhood education and care system, including federal and local child-care programs and regulations governing those programs;

(2) develop and recommend standards for high quality prekindergarten programs, including programs under Subchapter E-1, Chapter 29, Education Code;

(3) with a focus on improving government efficiency, conduct a comprehensive review of the existing functions and responsibilities of the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission related to early childhood education and care; and

(4) consider methods for a large-scale redesign of the administration of early childhood programs to improve efficiency, service delivery, quality of care, and the efficient use of funding.

(b) The steering committee of the task force shall:

(1) align goals and metrics of the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission to measure progress, including aligning statewide data systems; and

(2) require the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission to complete and submit to the task force periodic progress reports and regularly refine statewide goals and strategic plans to ensure alignment with evolving early childhood education and care needs.

(c) From money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, the Texas Education Agency shall pay the costs of data system integration, research, and administration for the task force.