HB3446: EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER REQS

Legislative Summary

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2027, the Department of Early Childhood shall publish and regularly update, at least once per year, a comprehensive list of college courses that qualify toward the attainment of the required qualifications for an early childhood teacher or director on its website. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2027, the Department of Early Childhood shall create a process to verify courses that qualify toward the attainment of the required qualifications for an early childhood teacher and director in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the Illinois Community College Board, the Board of Higher Education, and, until January 1, 2027, the Department of Children and Family Services. Sets forth requirements for the process established under the amendatory provisions. Provides that licensing representatives must be trained on the use of the course list, the prohibitions for the course list, and the impartial oversight review process. Provides that the Department of Early Childhood may, at its discretion, contract with a third party organization that is a recognized industry expert in early childhood development and child care employee credentialing to perform the duties under the amendatory provisions. Provides that the Department of Early Childhood may adopt rules to implement the amendatory provisions.