IL HB2878

Creates the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity to streamline degree and credential pathways for early childhood educators through regional hubs of public universities and community colleges.

Requires member institutions to offer courses in online, hybrid, and in-person formats; accept course credits across institutions; develop standardized credit-for-prior-learning methods; and standardize credit awards for Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials by January 31, 2022.

Establishes an advisory committee with 31 members including employer representatives, school district representatives, union members, higher education faculty representatives, and state agency representatives to guide Consortium operations.

Sets a goal that by September 30, 2024, 20% of eligible early childhood workers without degrees will enroll and persist toward or attain Gateways Credentials or associate degrees, and associate degree holders will progress toward bachelor's degrees or Professional Educator Licenses.

Amends the Transitions in Education Act to grant junior-level status to community college graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree in early childhood education transferring to public university baccalaureate programs, with no course repetition requirements.