CT SB00927

Establishes the Department of Education as the lead agency for school readiness programs, which must provide at least 450 hours and 180 days of developmentally appropriate learning for eligible children ages 3-5.

Creates phased staff qualification requirements for early childhood educators: prior to July 1, 2015, requires a childhood development associate credential or equivalent with 12+ credits in early childhood education; from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020, requires at least 50% of classroom staff to hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or teaching certification; and on and after July 1, 2020, requires 100% of classroom staff to meet the bachelor's degree or certification requirement.

Protects existing staff: individuals with bachelor's degrees employed by July 1, 2015 in programs meeting prior qualification standards cannot be terminated for failure to meet new higher standards.

Directs the Department of Higher Education to develop a plan by February 1, 2012 to help early childhood educators meet the new qualification requirements, with progress reports due annually through February 1, 2015.

Allocates up to $500,000 in unexpended school readiness grant funds to provide tuition assistance (maximum $5,000 per staff member per year) for educators pursuing associate's or bachelor's degrees at Connecticut institutions of higher education.