Bill
HB 3268
Allows temporary Interim Conditional Early Childhood Teachers in licensed centers for up to 18 months (sunset 2030) to hire while completing required education/credentials.
Status
- Introduced: February 25, 2025 (first reading Feb 18, 2025)
- Latest action: House Floor Amendment No. 2 filed March 20, 2025; Rule 19(c) / Re‑referred to Rules Committee April 11, 2025
- Sponsors: Rep. Harry Benton (primary); Chief Co‑Sponsors Rep. Brandun Schweizer and Rep. Dave Vella
- Committee activity: Passed out of Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education (do pass as amended, 9–5) on March 20, 2025
Purpose
- To establish updated and alternate qualification pathways for early childhood teachers in licensed day care centers and to create a temporary, conditional hiring pathway (an “Interim Conditional Early Childhood Teacher”) for individuals completing required education/credentialing.
Key provisions (original bill, as introduced)
- Adds Section 6.5 to the Child Care Act of 1969 setting four alternative qualification routes for early childhood teachers:
1. 60 semester hours from an accredited college/university, including either 6 semester hours in early childhood education or completion of the Gateways Early Childhood Education Credential Level 1.
2. 1,560 clock hours of child development experience plus 30 semester hours (including either 6 semester hours in early childhood education or Gateways Level 1).
3. 2,080 clock hours of child development experience as a teacher assistant, completion of Gateways Level 1, and proof of enrollment in an accredited college until 30 semester hours are earned — or enrollment in a credentialing program — to be finished within 5 years of initial enrollment.
4. Completion of a Department‑approved credentialing program under 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407 Appendix G.
Key provisions (as amended — House Amendments 001 & 002)
- Creates a temporary “Interim Conditional Early Childhood Teacher” category that allows licensed day care centers to hire individuals who are in the process of meeting 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.140(c) requirements.
- Time limit: Interim status applies for an 18‑month employment period; Amendment 002 also references a sunset date of June 30, 2030 for hiring under this pathway.
- Educational/experience flexibility during interim period:
- Individuals may be hired while enrolled in an accredited college/university or an approved credentialing program; required courses may be completed online.
- Persons who already hold substantial college credit (e.g., 60 semester hours or 30 semester hours with specified child‑development experience) may fill gaps (such as missing 6 semester hours in early childhood courses) during the interim period.
- One pathway requires completion (or in‑progress status) of Gateways to Opportunity Level 1.
- Limits and oversight:
- Interim Conditional Early Childhood Teachers may not exceed 40% of a center’s total teachers (Amendment 002).
- Supervision must be provided by the day care center director.
- Required clock hours used to qualify must have been accumulated at a State‑licensed day care center.
- After the interim period, the director must submit documentation to the Department showing the individual meets the full regulatory requirements.
Who is affected
- Licensed day care centers in Illinois (employers): gain temporary flexibility in hiring to fill teacher vacancies.
- Prospective and current early childhood teachers: create alternate/conditional pathways to meet licensing rules while completing education or credentials.
- Department of Children and Family Services (or the designated regulatory body): responsible for credential approval, oversight, and verification of documentation.
Procedural/timeline notes
- The bill has been amended at least twice; Amendment 001 (filed 3/14/2025) and Amendment 002 (filed 3/20/2025) modify the original language to add the interim hiring pathway and related limits.
- Current status (as of April 11, 2025): Re‑referred to the House Rules Committee under House Floor Amendment No. 2.
Potential impact (practical effects)
- Increases short‑term staffing flexibility for child care providers facing teacher shortages by allowing conditional hires who are completing training/college credits.
- Maintains a completion requirement and supervisory limits (cap and director oversight) to preserve quality and ensure progress toward full qualifications.
- The sunset/temporary hiring window (through June 30, 2030 in amendment text) suggests the changes are intended as a transitional measure rather than a permanent lowering of standards.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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