IL HB5312

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969 by adding Section 6.5 establishing qualification requirements for early childhood teachers in Illinois.

Early childhood teachers must meet one of four qualification pathways: (1) 60 semester hours from an accredited institution with 6 hours in early childhood education or Gateways Level 1 credential; (2) 1,560 clock hours of child development experience plus 30 semester hours with early childhood coursework or Gateways Level 1 credential; (3) 2,080 clock hours as a teacher assistant plus Gateways Level 1 credential and proof of college enrollment to complete 30 semester hours within 5 years; or (4) completion of a Department of Children and Family Services-approved credentialing program.

Allows flexibility in meeting education requirements through a combination of work experience, college coursework, and specialized credential training.