Bill > SF4979

This bill establishes the Task Force on Early Childhood Educator Licensure to develop a framework for individual licensing of early childhood educators in Minnesota, defining "commissioner" as the commissioner of children, youth, and families, "early childhood" as the period from birth to kindergarten, the "metropolitan area" as defined by state statute, and "task force" as the established group. The task force will consist of appointed members including legislators, child care center employees, family child care providers, public school early childhood educators, tribal representatives, Head Start representatives, parents, a pediatrician or mental health professional specializing in early childhood, and a higher education expert, with the commissioner also serving. The task force is charged with proposing a new individual-based licensure system, establishing comparable competency frameworks beyond a college degree, and identifying methods to increase early childhood educator compensation in line with licensure levels, with a report due by March 1, 2027, after which the task force will expire. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for the task force's operation.