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Panel advances bill to lower minimum age for daycare staff to 18
Summary
The subcommittee approved HB 25-73 to align minimum age requirements across childcare settings by lowering the state Department of Education standard from 21 to 18 to match Department of Human Services-regulated programs, citing staffing challenges for small centers.
Chairman Kumar said HB 25-73 would make age requirements consistent across early childhood settings and ease staffing shortages in small daycare centers. "This bill lowers the minimum age from 21 to 18 years of age for teachers, teacher assistants who work in childcare programs for children under 4 years of age," the sponsor said, explaining the change is meant to help centers struggling to find employees.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about the scope and practical effects. Chairman White acknowledged the rationale and members voted to move the bill to full Education (4 ayes, no nays).
