IL HB4643

Creates a 3-year direct support professional credential pilot program within the Division of Developmental Disabilities, beginning in Fiscal Year 2025, to assess how State-administered credentials affect recruitment, retention, and service quality in the developmental disabilities field

Requires the Division to consider best practices including University of Minnesota's college of direct support, national competencies, portfolio development, skill mentors, and career ladder creation when administering the pilot program

Mandates the Division produce a report on pilot program progress including recruitment and retention rates for participating versus non-participating providers, number of credentialed professionals, and quality improvements to services

Directs the State Board of Education to submit recommendations by July 1, 2025, for a model direct support professional training program to be made available in schools beginning in the 2026-2027 school year for at least 2 years

Requires the Community College State Board to submit recommendations by July 1, 2026, for a credit-bearing model program of study in direct support professional training to be offered by community colleges beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year for at least 2 years