COM COL-BACHELOR'S DEGREE

Amends the Public Community College Act. Allows the board of trustees of a community college district to establish and offer a baccalaureate-level early childhood education program and confer a bachelor of applied science degree in early childhood education and a Professional Educator License with endorsements in early childhood education and early childhood special education under certain conditions. Provides for an application for approval from the Illinois Community College Board. Sets forth college requirements and prohibitions. Provides that a candidate for educator licensure must successfully complete applicable testing requirements prior to the issuance of an educator license and any endorsements. Provides for a statewide evaluation of such programs. To prevent the duplication of services and programs, requires the board of trustees to describe how the proposed program fills a gap in the early childhood education degree programs offered by other institutions of higher education. Allows other institutions of higher education to comment on the proposed program, and offers the community college the opportunity to respond to the comments. Prohibits the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board from authorizing a community college baccalaureate-level degree program in any additional field of study prior to the publication of the statewide evaluation of community college baccalaureate programs in early childhood education. Makes other changes.