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SB 902

Day Care - As introduced, enacts the "Child Care Workforce Improvement Act," which directs the commissioner of human services to develop a program to provide longevity payments to eligible child care workers and a program to provide child care assistance payments to certain early childhood educators. - Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Charlane Oliver

Tennessee bill creates state-funded longevity and assistance payment programs for child care workers to address workforce shortages, pending funding and eligibility clarification.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Health and Welfare Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 902

Legislative bill overview

SB 902, Tennessee's "Child Care Workforce Improvement Act," directs the state's human services commissioner to create two payment programs: one providing longevity payments to eligible child care workers and another providing assistance payments to early childhood educators. The bill amends Tennessee's education code to establish these new compensation mechanisms.

Why is this important

Child care workers in the U.S. face chronic workforce shortages and low wages, which directly affects the availability and quality of care for working families. By creating state-funded payment programs, this bill aims to improve worker retention and recruitment in a sector critical to both child development and economic participation of parents. Tennessee's child care industry has struggled with staffing, making this a practical response to a documented gap.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill doesn't specify how these programs will be funded, which is essential for assessing feasibility and fiscal impact
  • "Eligible" and "certain" educator definitions: The vague language about who qualifies for payments could create implementation challenges and disputes over fairness
  • Cost sustainability: Longevity payment programs create ongoing obligations; long-term budget impact and whether appropriations will keep pace with enrollment growth remain uncertain

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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