Bill > HB3446

This bill establishes new provisions for creating and maintaining a public list of qualified early childhood education courses in Illinois. The bill defines an "institution of higher education" broadly to include public, private, non-profit, and for-profit universities, colleges, and community colleges offering early childhood-related degrees or certificates. By January 1, 2027, the Department of Early Childhood must publish and regularly update a comprehensive list of college early childhood courses that qualify for early childhood teacher and director requirements. Institutions of higher education will be required to submit course information to help the department determine course eligibility. The bill mandates the development of a verification process for these courses, which includes establishing criteria for course inclusion and removal, creating a notification plan for licensed child care centers, and implementing an impartial oversight review process. Notably, the bill removes advocacy organizations from the consultation process and eliminates provisions allowing the department to contract with third-party organizations. Additionally, the bill requires applicable state staff to be trained on the course list, its prohibitions, and the oversight review process. The goal is to create a transparent and standardized approach to qualifying early childhood education courses in Illinois.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3446&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104