reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter I. School Attendance Requirements › § 2704. Report of non-public schools to Department.

§ 2704. Report of non-public schools to Department.
(a) All persons conducting nonpublic schools shall report end of the year attendance information to the Department of Education annually, on or before the July 31, on such forms as shall be prescribed by the Department of Education.
(b) Such persons shall also submit annually, no later than September 30, a statement of pupil enrollment on such forms as prescribed by the Department of Education.
24 Del. Laws, c. 121, §  1;  Code 1915, §  2313;  32 Del. Laws, c. 160, §  55;  Code 1935, §  2748;  14 Del. C. 1953, §  2704;  58 Del. Laws, c. 494;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  132;  72 Del. Laws, c. 81, §  1;  74 Del. Laws, c. 79, §  3;  80 Del. Laws, c. 27, §  1;  84 Del. Laws, c. 81, § 376;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter I. School Attendance Requirements › § 2705. Exemption of children from compulsory attendance requirements.

§ 2705. Exemption of children from compulsory attendance requirements.
(a) Other provisions of this title notwithstanding, a child may be exempted from § 2702 of this title upon request of the parent, guardian or other person legally having control of that child when the request is supported by written documentation of a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist, as the case may require. The request and documentation shall be addressed to the superintendent of schools of the district in which the child resides and, in the case of a child with a disability or disabilities, the child's Individual Education Program (IEP) team, for the development of an educational program and determination of whether a change of placement is necessary to ensure that the child receives a free and appropriate public education.
(b) Any disputed decision under this section shall be presented first to the board of education of the school district of which the child is a resident and may thereafter be appealed to the State Board of Education. The decision of the State Board of Education shall be final. In the case of a child with a disability or disabilities, all of the federal regulatory due process procedures of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. §§ 1411 et seq.] shall apply.
24 Del. Laws, c. 121, §  1;  Code 1915, §  2313;  32 Del. Laws, c. 160, §  41;  Code 1935, §  2685;  14 Del. C. 1953, §  2705;  61 Del. Laws, c. 190, §  3;  69 Del. Laws, c. 272, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter I. School Attendance Requirements › § 2706. Contagious diseases.

§ 2706. Contagious diseases.
Any child affected with diphtheria, measles, scarlet fever or smallpox shall be excluded from the schools until permission of the proper school officer for the child to return is granted; and intercourse between pupils of the schools and the family or house, when there is any case of 1 of these contagious diseases, must be forbidden until the official permission is given to return to the school.
17 Del. Laws, c. 68, §  3;  Code 1915, §  767;  Code 1935, §  773;  14 Del. C. 1953, §  2707;  72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  7;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter I. School Attendance Requirements › § 2707. Religious holidays.

§ 2707. Religious holidays.
(a) A pupil's absence from school for the observance of a religious holiday is a necessary and excused absence.
(b) A list of religious holidays on which a pupil's absence shall be excused shall be created by the Secretary of Education and placed in regulation. The list of approved religious holidays is not a limit on the power of school districts or charter schools to excuse absence on any other day for the purpose of religious or cultural observance.
(c) A signed, written excuse from the pupil's parent or guardian is required in order to excuse an absence under this section.
(d) A pupil of any public school, who is absent by reason of observance of a religious holiday, may not be deprived of any award or eligibility or opportunity to compete for any award.
(e) School districts and charter schools must have a policy discouraging teachers from scheduling major grading events, such as tests, examinations, presentations, or project due dates on religious holidays. A pupil who misses a grading event due to excused absence for observance of a religious holiday must be allowed the opportunity to take an alternate test or given some other means to recover credit.
83 Del. Laws, c. 78, § 2;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2721. Definitions.

§ 2721. Definitions.
In this chapter:
(1) “Court” means either the Justice of the Peace Court or Family Court.
(2) “Parent” means a biological or natural parent, an adoptive parent, a person legally charged with the care or custody of a person under 18 years of age, a person who has assumed responsibility for the care of a person under 18 years of age, or a person acting as a caregiver pursuant to the provisions of § 202(f) of this title who has enrolled the pupil in grades kindergarten through 12 of a public school in this State.
(3) “Principal” means the highest administrative official of a public school and includes a person or group of persons designated by the principal to deal with school attendance.
(4) “Record” means written materials and exhibits forwarded to a court by the school with a referral under this subchapter or admitted into evidence at a court hearing.
(5) “School year” means the period of attendance determined by a pupil's local school board pursuant to § 1049 of this title, or in the case of a charter school as determined by the board of directors of the charter school consistent with the school's charter, and any additional academic improvement activities identified in § 2702(g) of this title that a pupil may be required to attend during or following such period of attendance.
(6) “Student” means a person who is enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 of a public school of this State.
(7) “Truant” means a student who has been absent from school without valid excuse for more than 3 school days during a school year.
(8) “Valid excuse” means an excuse which is approved in the regulations of the district board of education of the school district in which the pupil is or should be enrolled pursuant to the provisions of this title, or in the case of a pupil enrolled in a charter school, by the board of directors of the charter school.
72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  13;  74 Del. Laws, c. 175, §§  6-8;  82 Del. Laws, c. 224, § 3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2722. Absences and truancy.

§ 2722. Absences and truancy.
(a) Subject to the rules and regulations of the local school board, pupils enrolled in the free public schools may be excused by the superintendent of schools or persons authorized by the superintendent. Pupils enrolled in charter schools may be excused by the principal of the school or persons authorized by the principal, subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the board of directors of the charter school.
(b) No pupil who could otherwise legally fail to attend school pursuant to § 2702(a) of this title may do so without the written consent of such person or persons having legal control of that pupil.
24 Del. Laws, c. 121, §  1;  Code 1915, §  2313;  32 Del. Laws, c. 160, §  41;  Code 1935, §  2685;  14 Del. C. 1953, §  2706;  57 Del. Laws, c. 113;  60 Del. Laws, c. 449, §  4;  63 Del. Laws, c. 290, §  4;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 231, §  1;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  133;  72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  6;  74 Del. Laws, c. 175, §  9;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2723. Responsibility of police officers.

§ 2723. Responsibility of police officers.
(a) Any pupil under the age of 16 identified by a police officer as being off school property without official authorization may be returned to that pupil's home school.
(b) Any pupil under the age of 16 identified by a police officer as being off school property without official authorization may be detained by the police for a period not to exceed 2 hours for the purpose of notification of parent or guardian. This detention may be within the police station but not in a criminally confined area.
63 Del. Laws, c. 290, §  6;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  12;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2724. Notification to parents and students.

§ 2724. Notification to parents and students.
At the beginning of a school year each school district or public school shall notify each student and the parent of each student of the school attendance requirements of this Code, including the procedures and penalties applicable to truancy. The school district or school may determine the form of the notification.
72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  14;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2725. Absences without excuse; truancy conferences.

§ 2725. Absences without excuse; truancy conferences.
(a) If a student has been absent from school without a valid excuse 1 or more days, the principal of the school may take such action as the principal considers appropriate.
(b) If a student is truant, the principal shall schedule a truancy conference with the student, the student's parent and the principal pursuant to § 2726 of this title. The conference may be attended by other persons as the principal may include.
(c) Following a truancy conference the school shall decide whether or not to file a charge against the parent for a violation of § 2702 of this title; provided however, that the principal shall refer the case for prosecution following the twentieth day of unexcused absence by a student during the school year, in compliance with § 2702(d) of this title, and may refer the case before the twentieth day of unexcused absence if the principal determines it is appropriate to do so.
(d) The fact that a student or student's parent attended or failed to attend a truancy conference does not bar the principal from filing a complaint with the Justice of the Peace Court.
72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  14;  79 Del. Laws, c. 26, §  3;  82 Del. Laws, c. 224, § 3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2726. Procedure for truancy conferences.

§ 2726. Procedure for truancy conferences.
The provisions of § 4122 of this title shall apply to truancy conferences. The principal shall determine the date, time and place of the conference and shall give all participants notice at least 1 week prior to the conference. In conducting a truancy conference, the principal may exclude any person, including a parent or a student, from the conference or part of a conference.
72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  14;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2727. Notice of violation and compliance.

§ 2727. Notice of violation and compliance.
No person shall be prosecuted for violation of § 2702 of this title if that person, within 3 days from the time that the person is notified by the superintendent of schools or persons authorized by the superintendent, presents an excuse in writing satisfactory to such superintendent of schools, and complies with the requirements of such § 2702 of this title. The mailing of a notice to the usual address of the offending party shall be sufficient notification.
24 Del. Laws, c. 121, §  2;  Code 1915, §  2314;  32 Del. Laws, c. 160, §  42;  33 Del. Laws, c. 175, §  1;  Code 1935, §  2686;  14 Del. C. 1953, §  2708;  57 Del. Laws, c. 113;  68 Del. Laws, c. 277, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  8;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2728. Procedure for court adjudication.

§ 2728. Procedure for court adjudication.
(a) When the school charges a parent or a student with a violation of § 2702 of this title, the school shall file a written complaint in the court. The complaint shall be on such form(s) as the court may require. The school shall be the complainant and the parent or the student shall be the defendant. The court must determine whether probable cause exists to issue a warrant or summons against the person charged. When there is probable cause to find that a student is truant, probable cause to issue a warrant or summons for a parent shall exist when the parent is named as the parent or guardian on the student's school records and the parent resides in Delaware.
(b) The school shall attach to the complaint any record relevant to the allegations of the complaint.
(c) When a complaint is filed, all sanctions imposed by the principal shall remain in effect unless suspended or terminated by the principal or stayed by the court.
(d) The school may request that the court postpone adjudication. The court in its discretion may postpone the proceedings and may impose conditions on the student or parent.
72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  14;  75 Del. Laws, c. 107, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2730. Failure to attend; penalties.

§ 2730. Failure to attend; penalties.
(a) The school may file a civil charge of truancy against the student in the Justice of the Peace Court if:
(1) The student is age 12 or older; and/or
(2) The Court determines that a parent who is charged with violating § 2702 of this title has a valid affirmative defense under § 2729(b) of this title.
(b) The court shall determine whether a preponderance of the evidence establishes that the student has violated § 2702 of this title.
(c) If the Court determines the student has violated § 2702 of this title, it shall adjudicate the student a truant and may order the following remedial dispositions:
(1) Community service;
(2) Counseling;
(3) Substance abuse evaluation and treatment;
(4) Mental health evaluation and treatment;
(5) A curfew with hours set by the court;
(6), (7) [Repealed.]
(8) Prohibition of the student's participation in or attendance at any extra-curricular activity or social event which is an official school event or is sponsored by the school or held on school property;
(9) A recommendation that the student enroll in the school in alternative educational and related services in accordance with Chapter 16 of this title; and
(10) Such other action as is permitted by statute or by court rule.
(d) [Repealed.]
72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  14;  73 Del. Laws, c. 301, §  1;  81 Del. Laws, c. 404, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2731. Enforcement of court order.

§ 2731. Enforcement of court order.
(a) The court with jurisdiction over the matter shall retain jurisdiction until all terms of the court's order have been complied with regardless of any change in the student's age, marital status or choice of educational source or location.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Code to the contrary, if it is alleged that a student has not complied with the terms of the court's order, the noncompliant student may be charged with criminal contempt pursuant to § 1271 of Title 11, which shall, in the first instance, be brought in the Family Court.
(c) A juvenile against whom criminal contempt proceedings pursuant to this section and § 1271 of Title 11 have been initiated shall have the right to counsel at all stages.
(d)-(f) [Repealed.]
72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  14;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  76 Del. Laws, c. 12, §  1;  76 Del. Laws, c. 23, §§  2, 3;  81 Del. Laws, c. 197, § 2;  82 Del. Laws, c. 224, § 3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2732. Appeals.

§ 2732. Appeals.
(a) A parent convicted within the Justice of the Peace Court of a violation of § 2702 of this title may appeal to the Court of Common Pleas in the county in which the judgment was given. The appeal shall be filed within 15 days from the date of conviction. On appeal the Court of Common Pleas shall make a de novo determination.
(b) [Repealed.]
(c) A student who has been adjudicated truant within the Justice of the Peace Court pursuant to § 2730 of this title may appeal to the Family Court in the county in which the adjudication occurred. The appeal shall be filed within 15 days of the date of the adjudication. On appeal the Family Court shall make a de novo determination based on the record below.
(d) No appeal of the adjudication of truancy or truancy-related contempt pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall stay execution of the remedial disposition unless a judge of the Family Court orders a stay.
72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  14;  76 Del. Laws, c. 12, §§  2, 3;  82 Del. Laws, c. 224, § 3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2733. Jurisdiction; venue.

§ 2733. Jurisdiction; venue.
(a) The Justice of the Peace Court and the Family Court shall have concurrent jurisdiction of complaints filed pursuant to this subchapter.
(b) All complaints under this subchapter shall be filed in a Justice of the Peace Court in the county where the school the child is required to attend is located or in the county in which the office of the school district which contains the child's school is located.
(c) The matter shall proceed within the Justice of the Peace Court unless that Court determines, upon the complaint's filing, that the matter shall be transferred to the Family Court due to the existence of any of the following conditions:
(1) Pending delinquency proceedings involving the child;
(2) Pending civil proceedings involving a determination of the child's best interests pursuant to § 722 of Title 13;
(3) Pending proceedings with involvement by the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families with the child's family; or
(4) Any other condition exists related to the child that reasonably warrants transfer to Family Court.
(d) In the event that a student withdraws from school for any reason other than age and does not re-enroll in another public school, the Family Court or Justice of the Peace Court, in its discretion, may retain jurisdiction for the purpose of ensuring that the student's alternative educational environment was not an attempt to avoid the compulsory attendance requirements of § 2702 of this title.
72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  14;  76 Del. Laws, c. 23, §  4;  82 Del. Laws, c. 224, § 3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 27. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE › Subchapter II. Truancy › § 2734. Disposition and accounting of fines.

§ 2734. Disposition and accounting of fines.
The fines provided for by § 2729 of this title shall, when collected, be paid over by the officers collecting the same to the treasurer of the board of education of a reorganized school district according to the residence of the person convicted, to be accounted for by such treasurer or by the Department of Education as other moneys raised for school purposes.
24 Del. Laws, c. 121, §  2;  Code 1915, §  2314;  32 Del. Laws, c. 160, §  43;  Code 1935, §  2687;  14 Del. C. 1953, §  2710;  57 Del. Laws, c. 113;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  134;  72 Del. Laws, c. 346, §  10;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 28. UTILIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES › § 2801. Purpose.

§ 2801. Purpose.
It is the intent and purpose of this chapter to encourage the fuller utilization of the educational plants and staff in the school districts of the State.
14 Del. C. 1953, §  2801;  58 Del. Laws, c. 572.;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 28. UTILIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES › § 2803. Local funds.

§ 2803. Local funds.
Any local district initiating an expanded school year program must provide such program within the limits of state funding it would receive absent its decision to operate such program; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall preclude a district from using existing or additional local, federal or other nonstate funding for the provision of an expanded school year program.
71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  136;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 28. UTILIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES › § 2804. Rules and procedures.

§ 2804. Rules and procedures.
(a) The Secretary of Education and Director of the Office of Management and Budget must approve such expanded program at least 4 months before such plan is implemented in the local district. Such approval must be based, in part, on an analysis of a 10-year student population projection for the local district.
(b) Such plan must clearly provide for teacher option for employment and must provide state compensation for days beyond the regular full work days of employment as defined in § 1305 of this title at the daily rate defined in § 1703(j) of this title.
14 Del. C. 1953, §  2804;  58 Del. Laws, c. 572;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §§  137, 137A;  72 Del. Laws, c. 294, §  49;  75 Del. Laws, c. 88, §  21(7);
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 29. TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS › § 2902. Violation of regulations; compliance clause in contracts; penalty.

§ 2902. Violation of regulations; compliance clause in contracts; penalty.
Any officer or employee of the Department of Education or of any school district who violates any of the school bus regulations or who fails to include an obligation binding a contractor to comply with such regulations in any contract executed by the officer or employee on behalf of a school district shall be guilty of misconduct and subject to removal from office or employment.
36 Del. Laws, c. 10, §  91B;  40 Del. Laws, c. 38, §  7;  Code 1935, §  5631;  48 Del. Laws, c. 119, §  1;  14 Del. C. 1953, §  2902;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  140;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 29. TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS › § 2903. Breach and cancellation of contract.

§ 2903. Breach and cancellation of contract.
Whoever, being the operator of a school bus under a contract with the Department of Education or any school district, fails to comply with any school bus regulation adopted by the Department shall be guilty of breach of contract and the operator's contract shall be cancelled, after notice and hearing, by the responsible officers of the school district or the Department.
36 Del. Laws, c. 10, §  91B;  40 Del. Laws, c. 38, §  7;  Code 1935, §  5631;  48 Del. Laws, c. 119, §  1;  14 Del. C. 1953, §  2903;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  140;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 29. TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS › § 2904. Minimum insurance coverage requirements.

§ 2904. Minimum insurance coverage requirements.
All buses used, owned, leased, or operated by any person under contract with the Department of Education, a school district, or charter school for the purpose of transporting school pupils either to or from school or for any other purpose under the jurisdiction of any school authority shall be covered by insurance consisting of, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1) Bodily injury and property damage coverage with a combined single limit of $1,000,000.
(2) Personal injury protection coverage of $100,000 individual, $300,000 total.
(3) Medical payment coverage of $2,000 per person.
(4) Uninsured motorist coverage of $300,000.
Code 1935, §  5631;  48 Del. Laws, c. 119, §  1;  14 Del. C. 1953, §  2904;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  140;  80 Del. Laws, c. 212, § 1;  80 Del. Laws, c. 221, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 29. TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS › § 2905. Transportation of students of nonpublic, nonprofit elementary and high schools.

§ 2905. Transportation of students of nonpublic, nonprofit elementary and high schools.
The Department of Education shall make rules and regulations concerning the transportation of pupils in nonpublic, nonprofit elementary and secondary (high) schools in this State. Such rules and regulations shall provide for at least the following:
(1) All rules and regulations relative to pupil transportation to nonpublic, nonprofit schools shall be the same as those applicable to public schools;
(2) Such rules and regulations shall limit transportation of pupils in nonpublic, nonprofit schools to the elementary and secondary schools, except as provisions of this title may assign such transportation responsibility to the Department of Education on behalf of pupils enrolled at other levels in a public school system;
(3) Pupils enrolled in nonpublic, nonprofit schools shall only be entitled to transportation within the described boundaries of a public school district and not beyond those boundaries.
14 Del. C. 1953, §  2905;  56 Del. Laws, c. 270;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  141;  76 Del. Laws, c. 226, §  3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 29. TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS › § 2906. Transportation of pupils to special schools.

§ 2906. Transportation of pupils to special schools.
The State shall fund school districts that operate special schools for the trainable, hearing impaired, orthopedic or other special school serving students from 1 or more school districts.
62 Del. Laws, c. 68, §  46;  62 Del. Laws, c. 173, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 29. TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS › § 2907. Safety requirements for public school buses.

§ 2907. Safety requirements for public school buses.
No rule or regulation made by the Department of Education under this chapter shall preclude the use of district school buses or state school buses 14 model years old, provided such buses meet safety requirements and are approved by the board of education named in the contract. There shall be no capital allowance provided for the contractor other than that provided for in the transportation formula for school bus contracts using the schedule for the model year of the bus used.
62 Del. Laws, c. 275, §  1;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  142;  77 Del. Laws, c. 327, §  363;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 29. TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS › § 2909. Transportation of certain pupils.

§ 2909. Transportation of certain pupils.
Each local board of education shall adopt and enforce rules and regulations whereby a parent or guardian may elect to waive bus transportation for that parent's or guardian's student to and from school in favor of another form of transportation. The principal of each school may issue passes for school bus transportation to certain pupils who have chosen to drive a private vehicle, for use on a temporary and emergency basis; and may also set aside a specific number of parking spaces for use on a temporary and emergency basis by pupils who originally chose transportation by school bus. Any contract between the Department of Education and a supplier of bus transportation, or between a local school board and a supplier of bus transportation, shall be based upon the number of students who elect to be transported by bus, and shall not be based upon the total number of students in the school or school district.
67 Del. Laws, c. 49, §  2;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  142;  77 Del. Laws, c. 327, §  361;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 29. TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS › § 2911. Safety standards for other vehicles.

§ 2911. Safety standards for other vehicles.
(a) After July 1, 1998, newly purchased and newly leased vehicles with a rated capacity, as defined by the manufacturer, to carry more than 10 passengers in addition to the driver that are used to transport preprimary, primary, and secondary pupils between home and school or to school-related events shall meet state and federal specifications and safety standards applicable to school buses. Contract charter buses meeting federal DOT standards may be used for field trips.
(b) This section does not impose any additional obligations on a school district, charter school, or the Delaware Transit Corporation with a contract under § 2901(c) of this title beyond those obligations otherwise imposed upon the Delaware Transit Corporations under federal and state law.
71 Del. Laws, c. 354, §  379;  82 Del. Laws, c. 188, § 5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30. Early Childhood Education › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 3002. Early Childhood Council [Effective until July 1, 2024].

§ 3002. Early Childhood Council [Effective until July 1, 2024].
(a) The Delaware Early Childhood Council (ECC) shall be the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood for children from birth to 8 years of age, and carry out all such functions designated in the federal Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 [P.L. 110-134] et seq., and those functions designated herein and those assigned by the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Interagency Resource Management Committee (IRMC), provided sufficient moneys are available from the annual State appropriations act, federal funding, private funding, or a combination thereof.
(b) The ECC shall be comprised primarily of private sector members but shall include all representatives as designated in the above-referenced federal legislation and shall advise the Governor and General Assembly on a continuing basis, working with the IRMC, concerning the status and improvement of services of the early childhood sector and the implementation of the State's early childhood strategic plan. In addition to any responsibilities assigned by the Governor through the IRMC, the Delaware Early Childhood Council shall make recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the IRMC that promote the appropriate coordination and effectiveness of state services and policies. The ECC shall be responsible for maintaining and expanding a statewide network of early care and education institutions that includes providers, advocates, state program officers, private and nonprofit community institutions, and others who support the development and delivery of high quality early childhood services.
(c) In addition to the ECC's other functions, the ECC shall do all of the following:
(1) Advise and consult with Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding the development, adoption, promulgation, and amendment of the rules, regulations, and policies required to carry out Chapter 30A of this title with respect to early care and education, family child care homes, and school-age centers.
(2) Encourage OCCL to communicate with persons licensed under Chapter 30A of this title and to facilitate the communication.
(3) Encourage OCCL to enforce Chapter 30A of this title in a manner that recognizes that most child care providers are private businesses that need stable and reasonable regulations.
69 Del. Laws, c. 351, §  1;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  144;  76 Del. Laws, c. 53, §  1;  77 Del. Laws, c. 363, §  2;  83 Del. Laws, c. 500, § 1;  84 Del. Laws, c. 90, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30. Early Childhood Education › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 3002. Early Childhood Council [Effective July 1, 2024].

§ 3002. Early Childhood Council [Effective July 1, 2024].
(a) The Delaware Early Childhood Council (ECC) shall be the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood for children from birth to 8 years of age, and carry out all such functions designated in the federal Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 [P.L. 110-134] et seq., and those functions designated herein and those assigned by the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Interagency Resource Management Committee (IRMC), provided sufficient moneys are available from the annual State appropriations act, federal funding, private funding, or a combination thereof.
(b) The ECC shall be comprised primarily of private sector members but shall include all representatives as designated in the above-referenced federal legislation and shall advise the Governor and General Assembly on a continuing basis, working with the IRMC, concerning the status and improvement of services of the early childhood sector and the implementation of the State's early childhood strategic plan. In addition to any responsibilities assigned by the Governor through the IRMC, the Delaware Early Childhood Council shall make recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the IRMC that promote the appropriate coordination and effectiveness of state services and policies. The ECC shall be responsible for maintaining and expanding a statewide network of early care and education institutions that includes providers, advocates, state program officers, private and nonprofit community institutions, and others who support the development and delivery of high quality early childhood services.
(c) In addition to the ECC's other functions, the ECC shall do all of the following:
(1) Advise and consult with Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding the development, adoption, promulgation, and amendment of the rules, regulations, and policies required to carry out Chapter 30A of this title with respect to early care and education, family and large family child care homes, and school-age centers.
(2) Encourage OCCL to communicate with individuals and entities licensed under Chapter 30A of this title and to facilitate the communication.
(3) Encourage OCCL to enforce Chapter 30A of this title in a manner that recognizes that most child care providers are private businesses that need stable and reasonable regulations.
69 Del. Laws, c. 351, §  1;  71 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  144;  76 Del. Laws, c. 53, §  1;  77 Del. Laws, c. 363, §  2;  83 Del. Laws, c. 500, § 1;  84 Del. Laws, c. 90, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30. Early Childhood Education › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 3003. Organization and composition.

§ 3003. Organization and composition.
(a) The Governor shall appoint the members of the Delaware Early Childhood Council (ECC) based upon recommendation from the Interagency Resource Management Committee. The members of the ECC must meet the following criteria:
(1) Represent the racial, economic, and geographic diversity of the State.
(2) Serve for staggered, renewable terms of 3 years, except in the case of public employees continuing in the same designated position.
(3) Consist of the following members:
a. Two center-based early care and education providers.
b. One family-home-based early care and education provider.
c. One parent whose child participates in early childhood services.
d. One Delaware Head Start/Early Childhood Assistance Program Association representative.
e. One representative of a statewide early care and education resource and referral agency.
f. Two representatives from advocacy organizations focused on children's health and well-being.
g. One representative of the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children.
h. One public school district superintendent.
i. One higher education representative who also serves on the P-20 Council.
j. One business community representative.
k. Two community members.
l. One representative of the General Assembly.
m. The State Director of Head Start Collaboration.
n. A representative of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, representing children's health and child care.
o. A representative of the Delaware Department of Services to Children, Youth and Their Families, representing child mental health and family services.
p. A representative of the Delaware Department of Education, representing child care licensing early childhood professional development, § 619 of the IDEA (20 U.S.C. § 1419), child care licensing, and state early learning guidelines.
q. The chair of the Interagency Coordinating Council, representing Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. § 1431 et seq.).
r. Nonvoting members must include the director of the Office of Early Learning, the chair of the Family Support Coordinating Council, and the director of the State's Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood Education. The ECC may appoint nonvoting members and advisors to assist them in meeting their responsibilities.
(b) The Governor shall appoint a Chairperson from the nongovernmental members of the ECC, and who shall serve as a member of the State's P-20 Council. The Chairperson shall coordinate the activities of the ECC. The Governor shall also appoint a Vice-Chairperson from the nongovernmental members of the ECC.
76 Del. Laws, c. 53, §  2;  77 Del. Laws, c. 363, §  3;  83 Del. Laws, c. 213, § 4;  83 Del. Laws, c. 280, § 6;  83 Del. Laws, c. 500, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30. Early Childhood Education › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 3004. Meetings; organizational structure.

§ 3004. Meetings; organizational structure.
The Delaware Early Childhood Council (ECC) shall convene regularly-scheduled meetings at least 6 times annually. The ECC may form an executive committee from its members and other subcommittees. The ECC may form standing subcommittees including, but not limited to:
professional development, quality rating and improvement system, data, and higher education. The ECC shall fulfill all the responsibilities designated under the above-referenced federal legislation for the State's Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care.
76 Del. Laws, c. 53, §  3;  77 Del. Laws, c. 363, §  4;  83 Del. Laws, c. 500, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30. Early Childhood Education › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 3005. Staffing and annual reporting.

§ 3005. Staffing and annual reporting.
The Department of Education shall staff the Delaware Early Childhood Council (ECC) with support from the Interagency Resource Management Committee (IRMC) as needed. The ECC will report annually to the IRMC, the Governor, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House, and the General Assembly's committees on Education, Health and Social Services, and Health and Human Development regarding the status of its work and the progress of Council plans and proposals. A summary of the Council's work shall be included in the IRMC's annual report.
77 Del. Laws, c. 363, §  5;  83 Del. Laws, c. 500, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30. Early Childhood Education › Subchapter II. Early Childhood Workforce › § 3011. Early childhood workforce study.

§ 3011. Early childhood workforce study.
Beginning in 2022, the Department of Education (Department), in consultation with stakeholders including the Delaware Early Childhood Council, shall annually produce, by November 15, an early childhood workforce study, which shall include all of the following:
(1) The number of individuals receiving state financial support.
(2) The number and percentage of early childhood professionals with credentials or degrees, both in total and disaggregated by race and ethnicity.
(3) The demographics of the early childhood workforce including age, race, ethnicity, and gender.
(4) The estimated cost to close the gap between current wages and the target wage scale, including parity with public school teaching staff and individuals with similar credentials.
(5) Gaps in data gathering and analysis and potential measures to close the gaps.
83 Del. Laws, c. 500, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30. Early Childhood Education › Subchapter II. Early Childhood Workforce › § 3012. Comprehensive support program for early childhood professionals.

§ 3012. Comprehensive support program for early childhood professionals.
(a) By September 1, 2023, the Department of Education (Department) shall implement a comprehensive support program for early childhood professionals including those employed by a public school.
(b) By January 31, 2023, the Department, in consultation with the Delaware Early Childhood Council, shall produce a plan for the comprehensive support program, informed by the early childhood workforce study required by § 3011 of this title. The Department shall consider inclusion of the following components:
(1) An educational loan forgiveness program.
(2) Scholarship and other financial support for early childhood professionals pursuing degrees and credential attainment.
(3) Salary supplements for early childhood professionals and a proposed scale for such supplements that increases based on higher levels of educational attainment, and policy proposals to have such supplements excluded as income for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance programs.
(4) Formalized alternative routes to credentialing and certification in early childhood professions, including development of an alternative route to certification similar to the programs currently employed for K-12 educators.
(5) Improvements and coordination for aspiring early childhood professionals of professional pathway programs and the Teacher Academy program in district and charter schools, including strategies to support more diversity, to provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities, and to accelerate postsecondary credit and credentials during high school.
(6) Supports for early childhood professionals in the workforce and aspiring professionals including paraprofessionals, community members, parents, bilingual candidates, and those without degrees.
(7) Partnerships with institutions of higher education to support pathways and career development and support for early childhood professionals. The partnership should consider the viability and effectiveness of the following completion supports for individuals seeking credentials and degrees in fields relevant to early childhood education including:
a. Tutoring.
b. Academic counseling and assistance in navigating credential requirements.
c. Embedded coaching and professional learning.
d. Community-based delivery of training at licensed child care and early learning providers.
e. Courses in languages other than English.
f. Developing or providing funding for substitutes when training or courses are offered during the work day.
(8) Assisting aspiring and current early childhood professionals to access other available financial supports, such as the Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) and Inspire scholarships.
83 Del. Laws, c. 500, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30A. The Delaware Child Care Act › § 3002A. Definitions [Effective until July 1, 2024].

§ 3002A. Definitions [Effective until July 1, 2024].
For the purpose of this chapter:
(1) “Child care” means:
a. Any person, association, agency or organization which:
1. Has in custody or control 1 child or more under the age of 18 years, unattended by parent or guardian, for the purpose of providing the child or children with care, education, protection, supervision or guidance.
2. Is compensated for their services.
3. Advertises or holds himself, herself or itself out as conducting child care.
b. The provision of, or arranging for, the placement of children in foster care homes, adoptive homes or supervised independent living arrangements pursuant to the provisions of Title 31.
c. Family child care homes, large family child care homes, child care centers, child placing agencies, residential child care facilities and day treatment programs as currently defined by regulation. Child care centers operating part-or full-day are subject to licensure. Homes in which children have been placed by any child placing agency properly licensed to place children in this State shall not be regarded as “child care.”
(2) “Department” means the Department of Education.
(3) “Office of Child Care Licensing” or “OCCL” means the Office of Child Care Licensing within the Department of Education.
82 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 3;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 248, § 2;  83 Del. Laws, c. 249, § 1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 277, § 1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 283, § 17;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30A. The Delaware Child Care Act › § 3002A. Definitions [Effective July 1, 2024].

§ 3002A. Definitions [Effective July 1, 2024].
For the purpose of this chapter:
(1) a. “Child care” means an individual or entity that meets all of the following:
1. Has in custody or control 1 child or more under the age of 18 years, unattended by parent or guardian, for the purpose of providing care, education, protection, supervision, or guidance.
2. Is compensated for the individual's or entity's services.
3. Holds the individual's or entity's self out as conducting child care.
b. “Child care” includes all of the following:
1. Family child care homes.
2. Large family child care homes.
3. Child care centers, including early education programs for children below the grade of kindergarten that are operated by public or private schools.
4. Child placing agencies.
5. Residential child care facilities.
6. Day treatment programs.
7. Child care programs operating part-day or full-day.
c. “Child care” does not include individual foster or adoptive homes in which children have been placed by a State-licensed child placing agency.
(2) “Department” means the Department of Education.
(3) “Entity” means an estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or other legal entity.
(4) “OCCL” means the Office of Child Care Licensing within the Department of Education.
82 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 3;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 248, § 2;  83 Del. Laws, c. 249, § 1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 277, § 1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 283, § 17;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 14 - Education › Chapter 30A. The Delaware Child Care Act › § 3003A. Powers of the Office of Child Care Licensing with respect to child care [Effective until July 1, 2024].

§ 3003A. Powers of the Office of Child Care Licensing with respect to child care [Effective until July 1, 2024].
(a) Any person or association conducting child care and all institutions, agencies, and associations or organizations receiving and placing or caring for dependent, neglected or delinquent minors, including organizations providing care of children whether dependent or otherwise, in lieu of the care and supervision ordinarily provided by parents in their own homes for periods of less than 24 hours a day, must accord the Office of Child Care Licensing or its authorized agents right of entrance, privilege of inspection, and access to its accounts and reports.
(b) A person or association conducting child care and all institutions, agencies, associations, or organizations receiving and placing or caring for dependent, neglected, or delinquent minors shall make reports at such time as is required by the Office of Child Care Licensing as to conditions of such child care, the manner and way in which children are taken care of, former addresses, and such other information as will show the social status of the child, how and to whom dismissed, the extent and source of its income, the cost of maintenance, and such other reasonable information as will enable the Office of Child Care Licensing to promote the general welfare of the children and to work out a general program for their care and protection.
(c) The Office of Child Care Licensing may prescribe, by regulation or otherwise, any reasonable standards for the conduct of such child care facilities, institutions, agencies, associations, or organizations and may license such of these as conform to such standards. Regulations promulgated under this chapter must include all of the following:
(1) Any application form required to apply for licensure under this chapter.
(2) All of the specific requirements to obtain, retain, or renew a license under this chapter.
(3) Due process provisions that provide all of the following:
a. That notice is required when a deficiency is alleged.
b. The informal and formal procedures to contest an alleged deficiency.
82 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 3;  83 Del. Laws, c. 249, § 2;  83 Del. Laws, c. 277, § 1;