VT S0206

Creates the Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators with nine members appointed by the Governor for five-year terms to oversee licensure of educators working with children birth through age eight in Child Development Division-regulated programs

Establishes three license tiers: Early Childhood Educator I (assistant, requires 120-hour certificate), Early Childhood Educator II (lead educator, requires associate's degree or 60 credits), and Early Childhood Educator III (lead educator/supervisor, requires bachelor's degree or 120 credits), plus a Family Child Care Provider license

Sets license fees ranging from $125-$225 for initial applications and $225-$275 for biennial renewals, with up to 24 hours of continuing education required for renewal

Appropriates $262,000 from the General Fund in FY2027 for two new positions and intends to appropriate $628,867 in FY2028 for three additional staff positions, plus $1.4 million from Child Care Financial Assistance Program to cover educator licensing fees

Provides transitional licenses for up to eight years (four two-year periods) for educators who do not meet educational requirements, with transitional license provisions repealing July 1, 2036