Bill > HB06921

This bill implements several recommendations from the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) across multiple areas of early childhood education and care. The bill makes significant changes to staffing requirements for early care and education programs, specifically mandating a gradual increase in the percentage of designated staff members with higher education credentials. From July 2025 to June 2027, 25% of designated staff must have bachelor's-level qualifications, increasing to 50% from July 2027 to June 2030, and 60% after July 2030. For family child care homes, staff must be working toward or have an early childhood associate degree or higher, with a requirement to hold such a degree by July 2035. The bill also modifies regulations for youth camps, establishing new definitions and licensing requirements, and updates the State Interagency Birth-to-Three Coordinating Council's composition by emphasizing representation from culturally diverse communities. Additionally, the bill adjusts the Early Childhood Cabinet's responsibilities, modifies local and regional governance partner provisions for early care and education, and mandates the OEC to establish a sliding fee scale for early care and education programs by July 2027, based on family income. These changes aim to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood education and care programs in the state.

Education

Education Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06921&which_year=2025