Substitute House Bill No. 6921, also known as Public Act No. 25-143, introduces significant amendments to early childhood education and youth camp regulations in Connecticut, focusing on enhancing staff qualifications and safety protocols. The bill establishes new educational requirements for designated staff in early care and education programs, mandating that by July 1, 2035, family child care home providers must hold an early childhood associate degree or higher, replacing the previous bachelor's degree requirement. It also outlines a phased approach to increasing the percentage of qualified staff, with specific targets set for 2025, 2027, and 2030. Additionally, the bill revises the licensing process for youth camps, ensuring licenses are nontransferable and must be renewed annually, while updating the definition of "youth camp" to clarify operational criteria.

Furthermore, the bill enhances health and safety regulations, particularly regarding the administration of epinephrine and glucagon in educational settings. It allows trained personnel to administer these medications in emergencies without prior parental authorization, provided they have received appropriate training. The legislation also provides civil immunity to individuals, including school bus drivers and state employees, who administer epinephrine in emergency situations, protecting them from liability as long as their actions do not constitute gross negligence. Overall, the bill aims to improve the quality of early childhood education, streamline regulatory processes, and ensure the safety of children in care 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