Bill > SF4993

This bill establishes the Minnesota Board of Early Care and Education, a new entity tasked with supporting the development of children in early care and education programs by setting quality standards, improving educator qualifications, and consolidating existing state support. The board will be composed of various stakeholders, including child care providers, parents, educators, a pediatrician, a higher education representative, and the commissioner of children, youth, and families. Its duties include approving "quality recognition pathways," which are standardized processes for programs to demonstrate excellence in child development, and establishing standards for early childhood educator qualifications. The board will also review and consolidate state supports for early care and education programs, and it has rulemaking authority, though its rules may not conflict with existing health and safety licensing requirements. The bill also amends an existing law to require the commissioner to present a draft of the child care and development fund plan, including money reserved for quality improvements, to the new Board of Early Care and Education for review and input before submission to the federal government. Finally, it includes an appropriation for the board's operations and sets an effective date for the legislation.