TennesseeState task force reviews early educator training and career paths
The law directs a state task force to review early educator training and career paths, and lets some child care sites qualify as supervised practice locations starting July 1, 2026.
What it does
A state task force reviews education and training resources for early educators, identifies gaps, and recommends ways to improve career paths.
Some child care sites serving young children may qualify as supervised practice locations for educator training programs that run approved apprenticeships.
Argument forReviewing training options and gaps could help state agencies coordinate programs and improve paths into early educator jobs.
Argument againstBecause task force members receive no pay or travel reimbursement, some people may find it harder to take part.
More detail
A state task force reviews education and training resources for early educators and recommends ways to improve career paths. The task force examines resources for people working or preparing to work in child care, preschool, or eligible afterschool programs. The task force may get help from nonprofit or community groups with relevant expertise. The task force must send its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2026, and ends when it submits the report.
The state board of education must make rules for certain child care sites to qualify as supervised practice locations for educator training. Eligible sites are licensed child care agencies or child care programs certified, approved, or otherwise authorized by the education department. The educator training program must run an apprenticeship approved by the education department. The site must meet state board requirements for clinical practice and serve children from birth until kindergarten enrollment. Rulemaking took effect May 22, 2026. The pathway takes effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 27Pub. Ch. 1133Latest
- May 27Effective date(s) 05/22/2026, 07/01/2026
- May 22Signed by Governor Bill Lee.Became Law
- May 11Transmitted to Governor for action.To Governor
- May 7Signed by H. SpeakerMajor
- Apr 30Signed by Senate SpeakerMajor
- Apr 29Enrolled and ready for signaturesMinor
- Apr 21Subst. for comp. HB.Major
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/21/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 21Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA1013)Minor
- Apr 21Passed H., Ayes 88, Nays 0, PNV 0Passed House
- Mar 19Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
- Mar 16Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0612)
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/16/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 16Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 32, Nays 0Passed Senate
- Mar 16Engrossed; ready for transmission to HouseMinor
- Mar 16Sponsor(s) Added.Minor
- Mar 13Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/16/2026
- Mar 4Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0
- Vote recorded SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0 3/4/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 26Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
- Feb 5Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education CommitteeMinor
- Feb 2Filed for introductionMinor
- Feb 2Introduced, Passed on First ConsiderationIntroduced
Education