RI S2369

Requires the Department of Human Services and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to collaborate on managing the Rhode Island T.E.A.C.H. early childhood scholarship program, which supports attainment of Child Development Associate credentials and college degrees in early childhood education.

Directs management of registered apprenticeships for early educators that combine credential attainment with on-the-job coaching by master early educators.

Allocates at least $1,000,000 per year to continue the Child Care WAGE$ program, which provides education-based salary supplements to lower-paid center-based educators and family childcare providers in licensed programs.

Addresses workforce challenges including the average child care teacher wage of $16.74/hour (among the lowest occupations in Rhode Island) and a 2019 survey finding that two-thirds of early educators planned to leave if compensation did not improve.

Takes effect upon passage.