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HF2872 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Online early childhood development professional educator program funding provided, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF3080

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to promote workforce development by providing funding for an online professional educator program focused on early childhood development in Minnesota. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of early childhood educators, Minnesota residents, and high school students interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education.

Main Provisions

  • Funding Allocation: A total of $750,000 is allocated for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the Workforce Development Fund to support this program.
  • No Cost Education: The program will be available at no cost to participants, ensuring wide accessibility.
  • School Reimbursements: Up to $250,000 each year is earmarked for reimbursing schools that support the program. Reimbursements will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with at least half of the funds directed to schools outside the seven-county metropolitan area.
  • Program Requirements:
    • Must offer courses in English and Spanish necessary for a Child Development Associate credential.
    • Include continuing education units accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training.
    • Provide federally-required health and safety training.
    • Be adaptable for use in high school career and technical education programs.
    • Based on research and developmental practices endorsed by relevant professional organizations.
    • Cover comprehensive topics from birth to age five, including developmental milestones, special needs, and the Science of Reading.
    • Feature diverse learning tools such as interactive games, writing assignments, and health and safety videos.
    • Contain mechanisms for tracking educational progress and certification.
    • Accessible on various digital platforms (computers, tablets, mobile).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act introduces a specialized funding provision for the development of an online early childhood education program, marking a focused investment in the professional development of early childhood educators within Minnesota. It underscores the importance of accessible education and aims to support educators in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

Relevant Terms

  • Workforce Development
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Child Development Associate Credential
  • Continuing Education Units
  • Professional Development
  • Online Learning Platforms
  • High School Career Programs
  • Educational Accessibility

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toWorkforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "None."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None."
      ],
      "summary": "Defines the seven-county metropolitan area pertinent to the allocation of funds for the online early childhood development program under this bill.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines geographic distribution requirements for school reimbursements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.121",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors