HB2374 Summary

• Amends the Child Care Act of 1969 to establish four qualification pathways for early childhood teachers, including completion of 60 semester hours plus Gateways ECE Credential Level 1, or equivalent combinations of work experience and education.

• Requires a qualified child care director to be present at facility opening or closing, with option for a qualified early childhood teacher employed continuously for at least 24 months to cover the first or last hour of the workday.

• Modifies licensing standards for character and suitability requirements to reference the new Section 6.5 early childhood teacher qualifications.

• Maintains existing regulations for part-day child care facilities requiring written Department notification and compliance with health and fire safety standards every 2 years.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.