MD HB748

Amends the early childhood educator career ladder for private prekindergarten providers by replacing fixed deadline requirements with time-based qualification periods tied to hire dates

Early childhood teaching assistants must earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or associate degree within 3 months of being hired, rather than meeting a July 1, 2027 deadline

Prekindergarten lead teachers who qualify through the 10-year experience pathway must earn an associate degree in early childhood education within 6 months of qualifying (if after July 1, 2024) or by July 1, 2030 (if qualified before that date)

Creates an alternative pathway for teaching assistants requiring 15 years of documented early childhood education experience (minimum 20 hours/week, 180 days/year)

Takes effect July 1, 2026