House Bill 2426 aims to enhance early education in Tennessee by establishing an early educator workforce development resource task force. This task force will assess the current workforce, education, and training resources available for early educators, identify gaps, and propose strategies to strengthen workforce pathways. The task force will be chaired by the commissioner of labor and workforce development and will include various state commissioners and representatives from the early childhood education sector. It is required to meet virtually, solicit stakeholder input, and submit a report of its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2026.

Additionally, the bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated to create a pathway for privately operated child care programs and agencies to be approved as clinical practice sites for educator preparation programs. This approval is contingent upon the child care programs operating a registered apprenticeship program and meeting specific criteria set by the state board of education. The bill also includes provisions for the promulgation of rules related to these changes, with certain sections taking effect immediately and others on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-6-109
Amended with SA0612 -- 03/16/2026: 49-6-109