The bill S.119, introduced by Senators Clarkson and White, seeks to establish a licensure system for early childhood educators in Vermont by creating the Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators. This board, consisting of nine members appointed by the Governor, will oversee the licensure process, including setting educational and experiential requirements for three levels of early childhood educators (I, II, and III). The bill defines the scope of practice for licensed educators, which includes providing care and educational instruction to children from birth through eight years of age, and establishes rules for licensure renewal and unprofessional conduct. Additionally, it allocates $1,400,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the licensure process and repeals certain transitional licensure provisions effective July 1, 2033.

The implementation of the new regulations will occur in phases, with Sections 1, 2, and 6 taking effect on July 1, 2025, while Sections 3, 4, and 5 will come into effect later on July 1, 2027. This staggered approach allows for the necessary infrastructure and oversight mechanisms to be established before the later sections are enacted. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the professional standards and regulatory framework for early childhood education in Vermont, ultimately benefiting both educators and the children they serve.

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