Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Passed Senate 1 D cosponsors

S 206 — An act relating to licensure of early childhood educators by the Office of Professional Regulation

Last action — Rep. Birong of Vergennes moved that the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs be relieved of the bill and that the same be committed to the Committee on Human Services, which was agreed to

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced January 06, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the House.

Prognosis

Stalled 32% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Moderate

How often bills like it became law.

  • Passed Senate

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 D).

  • Mixed recorded votes

    2 passed, 1 failed in recorded votes so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

632 added · 329 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Bill S.206 has added a requirement for the Office of Professional Regulation to directly license early childhood educators, acknowledging the importance of professional standards in early education. Additionally, a new board specifically for early childhood educators has been proposed, which would help oversee licensing and ensure quality in early childhood programs. These changes matter because they aim to enhance the qualifications of early childhood educators, which can lead to better educational outcomes for young children.

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AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 1 of 18 S.206 An act relating to licensure of early childhood educators by the Office of Professional Regulation It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 1 of 25 S.206 Introduced by Senator Lyons Referred to Committee on Health and Welfare Date:
January 6, 2026 Subject:
Human services;
professional regulation;
early childhood educators;
licensure Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:
This bill proposes to require the Office of Professional Regulation to license early childhood educators.
An act relating to licensure of early childhood educators by the Office of Professional Regulation It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
§ 122 is amended to read:
§ 122 is amended to read:
(1) Board of Architects BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 2 of 25 * * * (55) Early Childhood Educators Sec.
2.
26 V.S.A.
chapter 111 is added to read:
CHAPTER 111.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS IN PROGRAMS REGULATED BY THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION § 6211.
CREATION OF BOARD (a) The Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators is created.
(b) The Board shall consist of nine members appointed for five-year terms by the Governor pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
§§ 129b and 2004 as follows:
two public members;
two each of individuals licensed as an Early Childhood Educator I, an Early Childhood Educator II, and an Early Childhood Educator III;
and one Family Child Care Provider.
All members shall be Vermont residents.
The members who are early childhood educators shall have been in active practice in Vermont for not less than the preceding three years and shall be in active practice during their incumbency.
The public members shall be individuals who have no financial interest personally or through a spouse, parent, child, or sibling in the activities regulated under this chapter, other than as a consumer or a possible consumer of its services.
Appointments shall be made without regard to political affiliation and on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 3 of 25 (c) Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as initial appointments.
(d) Board members shall not serve more than two consecutive terms.
§ 6212.
BOARD PROCEDURES (a) Annually, the Board shall meet to elect a chair, vice chair, and a secretary.
(b) Meetings shall be warned and conducted in accordance with 1 V.S.A.
chapter 5.
(c) A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
(d) All business shall be transacted by a majority vote of the members present and voting, unless otherwise provided by statute.
§ 6213.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD (a) The Board shall:
(1) adopt rules, pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
chapter 25, that are necessary for the performance of its duties in accordance with this chapter, including activities that must be completed by an applicant in order to fulfill the educational and experiential requirements established by this chapter;
(2) provide general information to applicants for licensure as early childhood educators;
(3) explain appeal procedures to licensees and applicants and complaint procedures to the public;
and BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 4 of 25 (4) use the administrative and legal services provided by the Office of Professional Regulation under 3 V.S.A.
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chapter 5.
(b) The Board may conduct hearings and exercise its authority as provided in 3 V.S.A.
chapter 5.
Sec.
3.
26 V.S.A.
chapter 111 is amended to read:
CHAPTER 111.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS IN PROGRAMS REGULATED BY THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Subchapter 1.
General Provisions § 6201.
DEFINITIONS As used in this chapter:
(1) “Board” means the Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators.
(2) “Early childhood educator” means an individual providing care and educational instruction to children from birth through eight years of age in a program regulated by the Child Development Division, including:
(A) planning and implementing intentional, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that promote the physical health and social, emotional, linguistic, and cognitive growth of children;
(B) establishing and maintaining a safe, caring, inclusive, and healthy learning environment;
(C) observing, documenting, and assessing children’s learning and development;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 5 of 25 (D) developing reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with families and communities;
and (E) engaging in reflective practice and continuous learning.
(3) “Early Childhood Educator I” means an individual who practices early childhood education as an assistant educator in a program under the supervision of Early Childhood Educators II or III or a teacher who is exempt from this chapter and licensed by the Agency of Education under 16 V.S.A.
chapter 51 with endorsements in early childhood education, early childhood special education, or elementary education.
(4) “Early Childhood Educator II” means an individual who practices early childhood education as the lead or primary educator in a program, supervises the practice of individuals licensed as an Early Childhood Educator I, and receives guidance from individuals licensed as an Early Childhood Educator III.
(5) “Early Childhood Educator III” means an individual who practices early childhood education as the lead or primary educator in a program, supervises the practice of individuals licensed as an Early Childhood Educator I, and provides guidance to individuals licensed as an Early Childhood Educator II.
(6) “Family child care provider” means an individual who provides developmentally appropriate care, education, protection, and supervision of BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 6 of 25 children from birth through eight years of age and is authorized by the Child Development Division to operate a family child care home as defined in 33 V.S.A.
§ 3511.
(7) “Guidance” means direct or indirect consultative support in which an Early Childhood Educator III provides feedback to an Early Childhood Educator II.
(8) “Program” or “program regulated by the Child Development Division” means a program or facility approved by the Department for Children and Families’ Child Development Division as a licensed or registered family child care home or a licensed center-based child care and preschool program.
(9) “Supervision” means on-site, direct oversight in which an Early Childhood Educator II or III observes the practice of an Early Childhood Educator I and provides feedback, support, and direction to an Early Childhood Educator I.
§ 6202.
PROHIBITIONS (a) An individual shall not hold themselves out as an early childhood educator in this State unless the individual is licensed under this chapter or exempt from this chapter pursuant to section 6203 of this chapter.
(b) An individual shall not use in connection with the individual’s name any letters, words, or insignia indicating that the individual is an early BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 7 of 25 childhood educator unless the individual is licensed under this chapter or exempt from this chapter pursuant to section 6203 of this chapter.
§ 6203.
EXEMPTIONS (a) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the following persons acting within the scope of their respective professional practices:
(1) a teacher actively licensed under 16 V.S.A.
chapter 51 by the Agency of Education with endorsements in early childhood education, an early childhood special education, or an elementary education;
and (2) an individual who provides care in an afterschool child care program that is regulated by the Child Development Division or any other child care program that is exempt from regulation by the Child Development Division.
(b) This chapter shall not be construed to alter or amend the requirements of publicly funded prekindergarten education programs operated in accordance with 16 V.S.A.
§ 829.
(c) This chapter shall not be construed to limit or restrict in any manner the right of a practitioner of another profession or occupation from carrying on in the usual manner any of the functions incidental to that profession or occupation.
Subchapter 2.
Board of Early Childhood Educators § 6211.
CREATION OF BOARD * * * BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 8 of 25 Subchapter 3.
Licensure Requirements § 6221.
ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS (a) To be eligible for licensure under this chapter, an applicant shall have attained the age of majority;
achieved a high school diploma, a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or an approved equivalent credential;
and completed field experience in early childhood education as required by rule.
(b) An applicant shall meet the following educational requirements for each of the following license types:
(1) Early Childhood Educator I shall have received a certificate from an approved credential program in early childhood education requiring a minimum of 120 hours of training and instruction.
(2) Early Childhood Educator II shall have received an associate’s degree program in:
(A) early childhood education or a related field requiring a minimum of 60 college credits;
or (B) any unrelated field and a minimum of 21 approved college credits in the core early childhood education competency areas identified in rule.
(3) Early Childhood Educator III shall have received a bachelor’s degree from an approved program in:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 9 of 25 (A) early childhood education or a related field requiring a minimum of 120 college credits;
or (B) any unrelated field and a minimum of 21 approved college credits in the core early childhood education competency areas identified in rule.
(4) A Family Child Care Provider shall be qualified for licensure if authorized by the Child Development Division to operate a family child care home and is in good standing with the Division as of January 1, 2029.
The Board shall not accept Family Child Care Provider applications after January 1, 2029.
(c) Approved educational programs may offer college credit based upon an assessment of the individual’s competencies acquired through experience working in the profession.
(d) In addition to the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, applicants shall pass any examination that may be required by rule.
§ 6222.
LICENSE RENEWAL (a) Licenses shall be renewed every two years upon application and payment of the required fee.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall result in suspension of all privileges granted by the license beginning on the expiration date of the license.
A license that has lapsed shall be reinstated upon payment of the biennial renewal fee and the late renewal BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 10 of 25 penalty pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
§ 127, except a Family Child Care Provider license shall not be renewed after a lapse of two or more years.
(b) The Board may adopt rules pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
chapter 25 necessary for the protection of the public to assure the Board that an applicant whose license has lapsed for more than five years is professionally qualified before reinstatement may occur.
Conditions imposed under this subsection shall be in addition to the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.
(c) In addition to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, an applicant for renewal shall have satisfactorily completed continuing education as required by the Board.
For purposes of this subsection, the Board may require, by rule, not more than 24 hours of approved continuing education as a condition of renewal.
§ 6223.
FEES Applicants and persons regulated under this chapter shall pay the following fees:
(1) Early Childhood Educator I:
(A) Application for initial license, $125.00.
(B) Biennial renewal, $225.00.
(2) Early Childhood Educator II:
(A) Application for initial license, $175.00.
(B) Biennial renewal, $250.00.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 11 of 25 (3) Early Childhood Educator III:
(A) Application for initial license, $225.00.
(B) Biennial renewal, $275.00.
(4) Family Child Care Provider:
(A) Application for initial license, $175.00.
(B) Biennial renewal, $250.00.
§ 6224.
UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT As used in this chapter, “unprofessional conduct” means:
(1) conduct prohibited by this section, by 3 V.S.A.
§ 129a, or by other statutes relating to early childhood education, whether that conduct is by a licensee, an applicant, or an individual who later becomes an applicant;
(2) conduct that results in a licensee, applicant, or an individual who later becomes an applicant being placed on the Child Protection Registry pursuant to 33 V.S.A.
chapter 49;
or (3) conduct that is not in accordance with the professional standards and competencies for Early Childhood Educators published by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
§ 6225.
VARIANCES;
TRANSITIONAL LICENSURE (a) The Board shall issue a transitional Early Childhood Educator II or III license to a teacher or director of a program who does not meet the educational and experiential licensure in this chapter.
Transitional licenses shall be valid BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 12 of 25 for a two-year period and shall be renewed by the Board for an otherwise qualified applicant for an additional two-year period with satisfactory supporting documentation of the individual’s ongoing work to obtain the required educational and experiential qualifications for licensure under this chapter.
(b) At the conclusion of three two-year transitional licensure periods, the Board, at its discretion, may issue one final two-year transitional license for an otherwise qualified applicant if the licensee can demonstrate extenuating circumstances for not having attained the educational and experiential requirements in this chapter and ongoing work to attain these requirements.
§ 6226.
DISCLOSURE BY LICENSEES An early childhood educator licensed pursuant to this chapter shall post and provide to current and prospective families the following information:
(1) all available license types regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation pursuant to this chapter;
(2) a description of the Office of Professional Regulation’s regulatory authority over licensees in programs regulated by the Child Development Division and how to make complaints;
(3) a description of the Agency of Education’s regulatory authority over teachers providing prekindergarten services pursuant to 16 V.S.A.
§ 829 and how to make complaints;
and BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 13 of 25 (4) a description of the Child Development Division’s regulatory authority over regulated child care programs and how to make complaints.
Sec.
4.
REPEAL;
TRANSITIONAL LICENSE 26 V.S.A.
§ 6225 (variances;
transitional licensure) is repealed on July 1, 2036.
Sec.
5.
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL REGULATION;
LICENSURE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS IN PROGRAMS REGULATED BY THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION;
APPROPRIATION (a)(1) The establishment of the following new permanent positions is authorized in the Office of Professional Regulation in fiscal year 2027:
(A) one full-time, classified executive officer for the Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators;
and (B) one full-time, exempt staff attorney.
(2) In fiscal year 2027, the amount of $262,000.00 is appropriated from the General Fund to the Office of the Professional Regulation to be used for the licensure of early childhood educators in accordance with this act.
(b)(1) It is the intent of the General Assembly to establish the following three new permanent positions in the Office of Professional Responsibility in fiscal year 2028:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 14 of 25 (A) one full-time, classified licensing staff;
(B) one full-time, classified enforcement staff;
and (C) one full-time, classified administrative staff.
(2) It is the intent of the General Assembly to appropriate $628,867.00 from the General Fund in fiscal year 2028 to the Office of Professional Regulation to be used for the licensure of early childhood educators in accordance with this act.
(c) It is the intent of the General Assembly that in fiscal year 2028, $1,400,000.00 be distributed from the Child Care Financial Assistance Program to the Office of Professional Regulation for the initial licensure application fees and licensure renewal fees for early childhood educators practicing in programs regulated by the Child Development Division pursuant to 26 V.S.A.
chapter 111.
Sec.
6.
EFFECTIVE DATES (a) This section, Sec.
1 (Office of Professional Regulation), Sec.
2 (Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators), and Sec.
5 (Office of Professional Regulation;
licensure of early childhood educators;
appropriation) shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
(b) Sec.
3 (early childhood educators) and Sec.
4 (repeal;
transitional license) shall take effect on July 1, 2028.
Sec.
1.
3 V.S.A.
§ 122 is amended to read:
§ 122.
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL REGULATION BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 15 of 25 The Office of Professional Regulation is created within the Office of the Secretary of State.
The Office shall have a director who shall be qualified by education and professional experience to perform the duties of the position.
The Director of the Office of Professional Regulation shall be a classified position with the Office of the Secretary of State.
The following boards or professions are attached to the Office of Professional Regulation:
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS IN PROGRAMS REGULATED BY THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION § 6211.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS IN PROGRAMS REGULATED BY THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION § 6211.
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 2 of 18 (b) The Board shall consist of nine members appointed for five-year terms by the Governor pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
(b) The Board shall consist of nine members appointed for five-year terms by the Governor pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
§ 6212.
§ 6212.
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 3 of 18 (c) A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
(c) A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
(d) All business shall be transacted by a majority vote of the members present and voting, unless otherwise provided by statute.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 16 of 25 (d) All business shall be transacted by a majority vote of the members present and voting, unless otherwise provided by statute.
§ 6213.
§ 6213.
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 4 of 18 Sec.
Sec.
General Provisions § 6201.
General Provisions § 6201.
(D) developing reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with families and communities;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 17 of 25 (D) developing reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with families and communities;
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 5 of 18 (3) “Early Childhood Educator I” means an individual who practices early childhood education as an assistant educator in a program under the supervision of Early Childhood Educators II or III or a teacher who is exempt from this chapter and licensed by the Agency of Education under 16 V.S.A.
(3) “Early Childhood Educator I” means an individual who practices early childhood education as an assistant educator in a program under the supervision of Early Childhood Educators II or III or a teacher who is exempt from this chapter and licensed by the Agency of Education under 16 V.S.A.
§ 3511.
§ 3511.
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 6 of 18 (7) “Guidance” means direct or indirect consultative support in which an Early Childhood Educator III provides feedback to an Early Childhood Educator II.
(7) “Guidance” means direct or indirect consultative support in which an Early Childhood Educator III provides feedback to an Early Childhood Educator II.
§ 6202.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 18 of 25 § 6202.
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 7 of 18 § 6203.
§ 6203.
§ 829.
§ 829.
Board of Early Childhood Educators § 6211.
Board of Early Childhood Educators § 6211.
CREATION OF BOARD * * * VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 8 of 18 Subchapter 3.
CREATION OF BOARD * * * Subchapter 3.
Licensure Requirements § 6221.
Licensure Requirements § 6221.
(b) An applicant shall meet the following educational requirements for each of the following license types:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 19 of 25 (b) An applicant shall meet the following educational requirements for each of the following license types:
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 9 of 18 (A) early childhood education or a related field requiring a minimum of 120 college credits;
(A) early childhood education or a related field requiring a minimum of 120 college credits;
§ 6222.
§ 6222.
A license that has lapsed shall be reinstated upon payment of the biennial renewal fee and the late renewal VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 10 of 18 penalty pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
A license that has lapsed shall be reinstated upon payment of the biennial renewal fee and the late renewal penalty pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
§ 127, except a Family Child Care Provider license shall not be renewed after a lapse of two or more years.
§ 127, except a Family Child Care Provider license shall not be renewed after a lapse of two or more years.
(b) The Board may adopt rules pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 20 of 25 (b) The Board may adopt rules pursuant to 3 V.S.A.
§ 6223.
§ 6223.
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 11 of 18 (3) Early Childhood Educator III:
(3) Early Childhood Educator III:
§ 6224.
§ 6224.
or (3) conduct that is not in accordance with the professional standards and competencies for Early Childhood Educators published by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
or BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 21 of 25 (3) conduct that is not in accordance with the professional standards and competencies for Early Childhood Educators published by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
§ 6225.
§ 6225.
Transitional licenses VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 12 of 18 shall be valid for a two-year period and shall be renewed by the Board for an otherwise qualified applicant for an additional two-year period with satisfactory supporting documentation of the individual’s ongoing work to obtain the required educational and experiential qualifications for licensure under this chapter.
Transitional licenses shall be valid for a two-year period and shall be renewed by the Board for an otherwise qualified applicant for an additional two-year period with satisfactory supporting documentation of the individual’s ongoing work to obtain the required educational and experiential qualifications for licensure under this chapter.
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 13 of 18 § 6226.
§ 6226.
(3) a description of the Agency of Education’s regulatory authority over teachers providing prekindergarten services pursuant to 16 V.S.A.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 22 of 25 (3) a description of the Agency of Education’s regulatory authority over teachers providing prekindergarten services pursuant to 16 V.S.A.
§ 829 and how to make complaints;
§ 829 and how to make complaints;
REPEAL;
VARIANCES V.S.A.
§ 6225 (variances) is repealed on July 1, 2036.
Sec.
4.
§ 6225 is amended to read:
§ 6225 is amended to read:
§ 6225.
§ 6225.
Transitional licenses issued under this subsection shall be valid for a two-year period and shall be renewed by the Board for an otherwise qualified applicant for an additional two-year period with satisfactory supporting documentation of the individual’s VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 14 of 18 ongoing work to obtain the required educational and experiential qualifications for licensure under this chapter.
Transitional licenses issued under this subsection shall be valid for a two-year period and shall be renewed by the Board for an otherwise qualified applicant for an additional two-year period with satisfactory supporting documentation of the individual’s ongoing work to obtain the required educational and experiential qualifications for licensure under this chapter.
* * * (c) The Board shall issue a transitional Early Childhood Educator II license to a provider operating a family child care home who does not meet the educational and experiential licensure requirements of an Early Childhood Educator II but does meet the educational and experiential license requirements of an Early Childhood Educator I pursuant to this chapter.
* * * (c) The Board shall issue a transitional Early Childhood Educator II license to a provider operating a family child care home who does not meet the educational and experiential licensure requirements of an Early Childhood Educator II but does meet the educational and experiential license requirements of an Early Childhood Educator I pursuant to this chapter.
§ 6225 is amended to read:
§ 6225 is amended to read:
§ 6225.
§ 6225.
Transitional licenses issued under this subsection shall be valid for a two-year period and shall be renewed by the Board for an otherwise qualified applicant for an additional two-year period with satisfactory supporting documentation of the individual’s VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 15 of 18 ongoing work to obtain the required educational and experiential qualifications for licensure under this chapter.
Transitional licenses issued under this subsection shall be valid for a two-year period and shall be renewed by the Board for an otherwise qualified applicant for an additional two-year period with satisfactory supporting documentation of the individual’s ongoing work to obtain the required educational and experiential qualifications for licensure under this chapter.
(2) At the conclusion of three two-year transitional licensure periods, the Board, at its discretion, may issue one final two-year transitional license for an otherwise qualified applicant if the licensee can demonstrate extenuating circumstances for not having attained the educational and experiential requirements in this chapter and ongoing work to attain these requirements.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 23 of 25 (2) At the conclusion of three two-year transitional licensure periods, the Board, at its discretion, may issue one final two-year transitional license for an otherwise qualified applicant if the licensee can demonstrate extenuating circumstances for not having attained the educational and experiential requirements in this chapter and ongoing work to attain these requirements.
(c) The Board shall issue a transitional Early Childhood Educator II license to a provider operating a family child care home who does not meet the educational and experiential licensure requirements of an Early Childhood VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 16 of 18 Educator II but does meet the educational and experiential license requirements of an Early Childhood Educator I pursuant to this chapter.
(c) The Board shall issue a transitional Early Childhood Educator II license to a provider operating a family child care home who does not meet the educational and experiential licensure requirements of an Early Childhood Educator II but does meet the educational and experiential license requirements of an Early Childhood Educator I pursuant to this chapter.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR LICENSURE On or before November 1, 2031, the Office of Professional Regulation shall submit a written report to the House Committees on Government Operations and Military Affairs and on Human Services and to the Senate Committees on Government Operations and on Health and Welfare regarding the implementation of 26 V.S.A.
chapter 111, including:
(1) the number of licensees by license type;
(2) the State resources necessary to implement the chapter;
(3) the number and nature of any complaints or enforcement actions against a licensee;
(4) the qualifications required for each license type;
and BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 24 of 25 (5) any other issues the Office deems appropriate.
Sec.
5.
REPORT;
VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 17 of 18 (6) recommendations to encourage the opening of additional family child care homes;
(6) recommendations to encourage the opening of additional family child care homes;
positions, is contingent upon an appropriation of funds in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund to the Office VT LEG #388118 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 18 of 18 of Professional Regulation for the specific purposes described in Sec.
positions, is contingent upon an appropriation of funds in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund to the Office BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.206 Page 25 of 25 of Professional Regulation for the specific purposes described in Sec.
positions) shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
(b) Sec.
3 (early childhood educators) and Sec.
4 (repeal;
variances) shall take effect on July 1, 2028.
Sec.
7.
EFFECTIVE DATES (a) This section, Sec.
1 (Office of Professional Regulation), Sec.
2 (Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators), Sec.
5 (report;
early childhood educator licensure), and Sec.
6 (Office of Professional Regulation;
licensure of early childhood educators;
appropriation;
§ 6225) shall take effect on January 1, 2029.
§ 6225) shall take effect on January 1, 2029.
§ 6225) shall take effect on July 1, 2036.
§ 6225) shall take effect on July 1, 2036.
VT LEG #388118 v.1
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The bill establishes a licensing framework for early childhood educators and creates the Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators within the Office of Professional Regulation.

  • 3 V.S.A. § 122

    15 (55) Early Childhood Educators → 15 (55) Early Childhood Educators

    The bill adds Early Childhood Educators as a profession regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation.

  • 26 V.S.A. chapter 111

    CHAPTER 111. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS IN PROGRAMS REGULATED BY THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

    This section adds a new chapter outlining the regulation of early childhood educators.

  • 26 V.S.A. chapter 111

    § 6211. CREATION OF BOARD (a) The Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators is created.

    This section establishes the Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators.

  • 26 V.S.A. chapter 111

    § 6201. DEFINITIONS (1) 'Board' means the Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators.

    This section defines key terms, including establishing the Board for early childhood educators.

  • 26 V.S.A. chapter 111

    § 6202. PROHIBITIONS (a) An individual shall not hold themselves out as an early childhood educator in this State unless the individual is licensed under this chapter.

    This section prohibits individuals from claiming to be early childhood educators unless they are licensed.

  • 26 V.S.A. chapter 111

    § 6221. ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS (a) To be eligible for licensure under this chapter, an applicant shall have attained the age of majority;...

    This section outlines the eligibility and qualifications required for obtaining a license as an early childhood educator.

  • 26 V.S.A. chapter 111

    § 6222. LICENSE RENEWAL (a) Licenses shall be renewed every two years upon application and payment of the required fee.

    This section establishes the process for renewing licenses for early childhood educators.

Action History

  1. Rep. Birong of Vergennes moved that the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs be relieved of the bill and that the same be committed to the Committee on Human Services, which was agreed to

  2. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs

  3. Read 3rd time & passed on roll call, requested by Senator Mattos, Passed -- Needed 14 of 28 to Pass -- Yeas = 22, Nays = 6

  4. Pending third reading, bill amended as moved by Senator(s) Bongartz

  5. New Business/Third Reading

  6. 3rd reading ordered

  7. Senator Heffernan explained vote

  8. Senator Beck explained vote

  9. Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare agreed to on roll call, requested by Senator Baruth, Passed -- Needed 14 of 28 to Pass -- Yeas = 21, Nays = 7

  10. Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare, as amended, agreed to

  11. Senator(s) Heffernan motion to commit bill to Committee on Education disagreed to on roll call requested by Sen. Weeks, Failed -- Needed 14 of 28 to Pass -- Yeas = 9, Nays = 19

  12. Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare amended as recommended by Committee on Appropriations

  13. Reported favorably by Senator Lyons for Committee on Appropriations with recommendation of amendment

  14. Reported favorably by Senator Hardy for Committee on Finance

  15. Read 2nd time, reported favorably with recommendation of amendment by Senator Gulick for Committee on Health and Welfare

  16. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations

  17. Favorable report by Committee on Finance

  18. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare

  19. Second Reading

  20. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations

  21. Favorable report by Committee on Finance

  22. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare

  23. Second Reading

  24. Entered on Notice Calendar

  25. Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31

  26. Favorable report by Committee on Finance

  27. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare

  28. Second Reading

  29. Entered on Notice Calendar

  30. Referred to Committee on Finance per Senate Rule 31

  31. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare

  32. Entered on Notice Calendar

  33. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 189 not signed on · 24 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (189)

189 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 189 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Read 3rd time & passed on roll call, requested by Senator Mattos, Passed -- Needed 14 of 28 to Pass -- Yeas = 22, Nays = 6

Passed 22 Yea · 6 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat/Progressive 3000
Republican 8600
Democrat 9001
Unaffiliated 2000
Progressive/Democrat 0001
Total 22602
% of votes cast 73%20%0%7%
How each member voted (30)
Member Party Vote
White — Yea
Ram Hinsdale — Yea
Alison Clarkson Democrat Not Voting
Ann E Cummings Democrat Yea
Joseph "Joe" D Major Democrat Yea
Martine Larocque L Gulick Democrat Yea
Nader A Hashim Democrat Yea
Robert Plunkett Democrat Yea
Ruth E Hardy Democrat Yea
Seth Bongartz Democrat Yea
Thomas I Chittenden Democrat Yea
Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons Democrat Yea
Andrew J Perchlik Democrat/Progressive Yea
Anne E Watson Democrat/Progressive Yea
Philip E Baruth Democrat/Progressive Yea
Tanya C Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat Not Voting
Brian P Collamore Republican Yea
Christopher P Mattos Republican Yea
David H Weeks Republican Nay
Jim F Harrison Republican Yea
John Benson Republican Yea
John S Morley III Republican Yea
Patrick "Pat" M Brennan Republican Yea
Randy D Brock Republican Nay
Richard A Westman Republican Yea
Robert W Norris Republican Nay
Russ H Ingalls Republican Nay
Scott L Beck Republican Nay
Steven Heffernan Republican Yea
Terry K Williams Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare agreed to on roll call, requested by Senator Baruth, Passed -- Needed 14 of 28 to Pass -- Yeas = 21, Nays = 7

Passed 21 Yea · 7 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat/Progressive 3000
Republican 7700
Democrat 9001
Unaffiliated 2000
Progressive/Democrat 0001
Total 21702
% of votes cast 70%23%0%7%
How each member voted (30)
Member Party Vote
White — Yea
Ram Hinsdale — Yea
Alison Clarkson Democrat Not Voting
Ann E Cummings Democrat Yea
Joseph "Joe" D Major Democrat Yea
Martine Larocque L Gulick Democrat Yea
Nader A Hashim Democrat Yea
Robert Plunkett Democrat Yea
Ruth E Hardy Democrat Yea
Seth Bongartz Democrat Yea
Thomas I Chittenden Democrat Yea
Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons Democrat Yea
Andrew J Perchlik Democrat/Progressive Yea
Anne E Watson Democrat/Progressive Yea
Philip E Baruth Democrat/Progressive Yea
Tanya C Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat Not Voting
Brian P Collamore Republican Yea
Christopher P Mattos Republican Nay
David H Weeks Republican Nay
Jim F Harrison Republican Yea
John Benson Republican Yea
John S Morley III Republican Yea
Patrick "Pat" M Brennan Republican Yea
Randy D Brock Republican Nay
Richard A Westman Republican Yea
Robert W Norris Republican Nay
Russ H Ingalls Republican Nay
Scott L Beck Republican Nay
Steven Heffernan Republican Yea
Terry K Williams Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Senator(s) Heffernan motion to commit bill to Committee on Education disagreed to on roll call requested by Sen. Weeks, Failed -- Needed 14 of 28 to Pass -- Yeas = 9, Nays = 19

Failed 9 Yea · 19 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 9500
Democrat/Progressive 0300
Democrat 0901
Unaffiliated 0200
Progressive/Democrat 0001
Total 91902
% of votes cast 30%63%0%7%
How each member voted (30)
Member Party Vote
White — Nay
Ram Hinsdale — Nay
Alison Clarkson Democrat Not Voting
Ann E Cummings Democrat Nay
Joseph "Joe" D Major Democrat Nay
Martine Larocque L Gulick Democrat Nay
Nader A Hashim Democrat Nay
Robert Plunkett Democrat Nay
Ruth E Hardy Democrat Nay
Seth Bongartz Democrat Nay
Thomas I Chittenden Democrat Nay
Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons Democrat Nay
Andrew J Perchlik Democrat/Progressive Nay
Anne E Watson Democrat/Progressive Nay
Philip E Baruth Democrat/Progressive Nay
Tanya C Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat Not Voting
Brian P Collamore Republican Nay
Christopher P Mattos Republican Yea
David H Weeks Republican Yea
Jim F Harrison Republican Nay
John Benson Republican Nay
John S Morley III Republican Nay
Patrick "Pat" M Brennan Republican Yea
Randy D Brock Republican Yea
Richard A Westman Republican Nay
Robert W Norris Republican Yea
Russ H Ingalls Republican Yea
Scott L Beck Republican Yea
Steven Heffernan Republican Yea
Terry K Williams Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

education
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors S 206?
S 206 is sponsored by Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons (Democrat).
What is the current status of S 206?
This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced January 06, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track S 206?
Track S 206 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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