The bill H.182 proposes the establishment of a licensure system for early childhood educators in Vermont, creating a new board under the Office of Professional Regulation specifically for this purpose. The bill amends current law to include early childhood educators as a regulated profession, adding them to the list of professions overseen by the Office. It establishes the Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators, which will consist of nine members appointed by the Governor, including both public members and licensed early childhood educators. The board will be responsible for setting licensure requirements, providing information to applicants, and ensuring compliance with educational and experiential standards.

Additionally, the bill outlines the qualifications necessary for different levels of licensure (Early Childhood Educator I, II, and III), including educational requirements and the responsibilities associated with each level. It also includes provisions for license renewal, fees, and unprofessional conduct. The bill appropriates $1.4 million for the establishment of new positions within the Office of Professional Regulation to support the licensure process and sets specific effective dates for various sections of the legislation, with the full implementation of the licensure system scheduled for July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-122, 26-111, 33-3511