MS HB1206

Clarifies that employees in prekindergarten or early childhood education programs at charter schools authorized by the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board are exempt from state teacher qualification requirements only when the program is not granted by the State Department of Education

Maintains existing qualification requirements for master teachers, teachers, and assistant teachers in federal or state-funded early childhood education and Head Start programs, including bachelor's degree requirements for teachers and associate's degree or credential requirements for assistant teachers

Master teachers must demonstrate effectiveness as early childhood educators through highly effective ratings on state evaluations or evidence of raising prekindergarten student achievement outcomes

Amends Section 37-21-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to add the clarifying language regarding the charter school exemption

Takes effect July 1, 2026