Substitute House Bill No. 6921, also known as Public Act No. 25-143, introduces significant amendments to early childhood education and health regulations in Connecticut. The bill repeals Section 10-550g and establishes new definitions and requirements for staff in early care and education programs funded by the Office of Early Childhood. It sets a phased approach for staffing qualifications, mandating that by July 1, 2035, designated qualified staff members in family child care homes must hold an early childhood associate degree or higher, replacing the previous bachelor's degree requirement. The bill also modifies licensing processes for youth camps, clarifying definitions and ensuring that the State Interagency Birth-to-Three Coordinating Council includes diverse community representation.

Additionally, the bill enhances health and safety regulations for child care centers, allowing trained staff to administer epinephrine and glucagon, and updates legal language to reflect current medical practices. It provides legal immunity to individuals administering epinephrine in emergencies and establishes a framework for the Technical Education and Career System to support vocational training for underserved populations. The bill emphasizes the importance of training for staff in recognizing anaphylaxis and administering epinephrine, ensuring that children with severe allergies receive prompt assistance. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the quality of early childhood education and streamline health and safety protocols in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-550g, 10-550d
ED Joint Favorable: 10-550g, 10-550d
File No. 705: 10-550g, 10-550d
Public Act No. 25-143: 10-550g, 10-550d, 10-264i, 10-145r, 10-91j, 10-95r, 10-220i, 52-557v