Bill > S0206

This bill establishes a licensing system for early childhood educators in Vermont, managed by the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), which is an agency within the Office of the Secretary of State. A new Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators will be created, composed of nine members, to oversee the licensing process. The bill defines what an "early childhood educator" is, including specific roles like Early Childhood Educator I, II, and III, and Family Child Care Providers, and outlines the educational and experiential requirements for each license level, ranging from a certificate for Educator I to a bachelor's degree for Educator III. It also details prohibitions against practicing without a license, exemptions for certain professionals like licensed teachers, and establishes fees for applications and renewals. The bill includes provisions for transitional licenses to help current educators meet the new requirements and mandates that licensed educators disclose specific information to families about their licenses and complaint procedures. The repeal of transitional licensure provisions is set for July 1, 2036, and the bill appropriates funds and authorizes new positions within the OPR to support this new licensing system, with different sections taking effect on July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2028.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.206