Early Childhood Educator Licensure Task Force establishment and appropriation

This bill establishes the Task Force on Early Childhood Educator Licensure in Minnesota to develop a new system for licensing early childhood educators. The task force will include representatives from legislative bodies, child care centers, family programs, public schools, Tribal communities, Head Start programs, parents, medical professionals, and researchers, with appointments required by August 1, 2026. Its primary duties are to propose a plan for individual licensure, create competency frameworks that recognize skills beyond college degrees, and identify methods for improving educator qualifications. The group will meet regularly under the supervision of the commissioner of children, youth, and families, who will provide necessary administrative support.