TX SB2687

Establishes the Child-Care Professional Pathway program allowing high school students in grades 11 and 12 to concurrently earn a high school diploma and child-care related credentials from higher education institutions

Students may earn either a Child Development Associate certificate or an associate degree in human development, psychology, sociology, early childhood education, or related fields through partnerships between school districts/charter schools and colleges

Program courses must be provided at no cost to participating students, and all 11th and 12th grade students must be permitted to enroll in the program

Commissioner may approve substitution of one high school graduation credit with a child-care professional education course that covers equivalent essential knowledge and skills

Program time counts toward minimum instructional hours for full-time student average daily attendance, and the program applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year