(1) The general assembly finds and declares that:(a) Local entities are best positioned to understand the varying needs for early childhood programs and services that arise in the widely diverse communities throughout the state; and(b) Each community requires leadership by local entities that, alone or in partnership with the state, can coordinate the resources available within the community with state resources to provide the type and level of early childhood and family support programs and services each community requires.(2) The general assembly finds, therefore, that, to best serve the families and children in all communities throughout the state, the department shall select and work with local coordinating organizations in communities throughout the state to support access to and equitable delivery of early childhood and family support programs and services, identify gaps in service, foster partnerships, create alignment among the public and private providers and agencies within the community that serve families and children, and establish a comprehensive, locally supported plan for providing early childhood and family support programs and services equitably within the

ithin the community that serve families and children, and establish a comprehensive, locally supported plan for providing early childhood and family support programs and services equitably within the community.Added by 2022 Ch. 123, §3, eff. 4/25/2022.