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Government Operations & Military Affairs committee reviews S.206 to license early childhood educators; witnesses urge careful transition
Summary
The committee examined S.206, which would add individual licensure for early childhood educators in nonpublic programs, establish a nine‑member board, tiered ECE1–ECE3 licenses, transitional variances and reporting requirements; witnesses and OPR urged phased implementation and field input to avoid provider losses.
Senator Gulick introduced S.206 on April 2, telling the Government Operations & Military Affairs committee the bill "is really grounded in data and evidence and research" and reflects an OPR sunrise review that recommended regulating early childhood educators working in programs overseen by the Child Development Division (CDD). The measure would create a Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators, add licensure categories (ECE1, ECE2, ECE3 and a legacy family child care pathway), and phase in program rules after the board is established.
Supporters said licensure is intended to improve child safety, raise educational standards and create transparent, individual accountability for educators. Jennifer Coen, director of the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), said OPR’s review identified two types of public harm: "physical and emotional abuse, maltreatment and neglect" and poorer long‑term developmental and health outcomes associated with low‑quality care. OPR told the committee that individual licensure would allow the office to investigate…
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