AR SB618

Creates the Early Childhood Education Workforce Quality Incentive Act establishing an income tax credit for early childhood education program directors, teachers, and instructional staff employed in programs meeting the Better Beginnings quality rating system standards.

Limits eligibility to workers earning less than the state's minimum salary for K-12 public school teachers as defined in Arkansas Code § 6-17-2403.

Provides tiered tax credits based on educational credentials: $250 for Child Development Associate credential or Arkansas Children's Program Administrator Credential; $500 for associate degree in early childhood education or related field; $1,000 for bachelor's degree or higher in early childhood education or related field.

Allows excess credits exceeding the taxpayer's income tax liability to be refunded to the taxpayer and requires attestation forms from the Professional Development Registry at the Department of Human Services to claim the credit.

Directs the House Committee on Education and Senate Committee on Education to study and report to the General Assembly by September 1, 2024, whether to continue or repeal the credit; effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2019 or later.