IL HB3619

Allows community college boards of trustees to establish and offer baccalaureate-level early childhood education programs and confer a bachelor of applied science degree with Professional Educator License endorsements in early childhood education and early childhood special education.

Requires community colleges to obtain approval from the Illinois Community College Board and State Board of Education, and demonstrate unmet workforce needs, available faculty, fiscal resources, quality curricula, and maintenance of an associate degree in early childhood education.

Prohibits community colleges from using semester credit hours generated in baccalaureate degree programs to qualify for grants under Section 2-16.02 of the Public Community College Act.

Requires candidates for educator licensure to successfully complete applicable testing requirements under Section 21B-30 of the School Code and comply with standards for denial of licensure recommendation.

Mandates the State Board of Education conduct a statewide evaluation of all programs established under this section and report findings by July 1, 2028 to legislative leaders, the Board of Higher Education, and the Governor's Office of Management and Budget.