IL HB2495

Establishes education and experience qualifications for child care directors at day care centers, with different requirements based on whether facilities serve more preschool or school-age children.

Directors must meet one of three pathways: 60 semester hours of college with 18 hours in child care/development courses; 2 years (3,120 clock hours) of child development experience plus 30 semester hours of college; or completion of an approved credentialing program plus 12 semester hours in child care courses and 2 years of experience.

Sets qualifications for early childhood teachers (working with infants through preschool) requiring either 60 semester hours of college with 6 hours in child care courses, or 1 year (1,560 clock hours) of experience plus 30 semester hours of college, or completion of an approved credentialing program.

Establishes qualifications for school-age workers requiring minimum age 19 (at least 5 years older than oldest child supervised) and one of three pathways: 30 semester hours of college with 6 hours in relevant courses plus 1,560 clock hours of experience; 1,560 clock hours of experience plus 6 semester hours of college; or high school diploma plus 3,120 clock hours of experience.

Requires Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to review and approve early childhood teacher credentialing programs based on criteria including candidate age/education, minimum 640-1200 clock hours of documented experience with children ages zero to 12, 120 clock hours of training, and a professional portfolio demonstrating core competencies.