Bill Summary for Bill Number Quality of Early Childhood Workforce Working Group Update

Date: 09/02/2014

Final
Quality of Early Childhood Workforce Working Group Update

EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SCHOOL READINESS LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION

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12:46 PM -- Quality of Early Childhood Workforce Working Group Update

The commission came back to order. Senator Todd introduced the Quality of Early Childhood Workforce Working Group. Ms. Katherine Hammerbeck and Ms. Heather Tritten came to the table and discussed the need for education and training for the child care workforce. Ms. Hammerbeck mentioned the difficulty in incentivizing quality, especially with the low pay for child care providers and educators. She described a bill proposal for a refundable tax credit for professional development for early childhood providers that serve Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) children. Ms. Hammerbeck recommended that the credit start at the credentialing level, and then work its way up to higher levels. She proposed that the credit start in the range of $1,600 to $2,500 per person, per year. Senator Todd mentioned the impact of having highly trained teachers in schools and thought that it could apply in an early education environment.

Senator Kefalas requested that Legislative Council Staff provide a preliminary fiscal note for the proposal. He mentioned that many early childhood educators with low pay benefit from the earned income tax credit (EITC), and wants to know how that interacts. Ms. Hammerbeck stated that many child care aides and assistant teachers qualify for the EITC, but less likely at the lead teacher level. Senator Kefalas asked about making the proposal connected with income level. Ms. Hammerbeck replied that she was not opposed to this, but that the working group was trying to keep the credit simple to administer.

Senator Marble asked about the credential for early childhood educators. Ms. Hammerbeck described the existing system and revisions to standards being made by the CDE. Ms. Tritten stated that the standards are research-based. Senator Marble asked about the role of physical education in early childhood education and the impact on child behavior from reducing physical fitness in schools. Ms. Tritten stated that the quality rating system does have a health rating component, but that this is unrelated to the teacher credentialing system. Ms. Hammerbeck further elaborated on the competencies required as part of the teacher credential.

01:12 PM

Ms. Tritten began discussing the working group's second bill idea for a scholarship program. She described the existing funding for teacher scholarships. The working group proposed to amend the existing program at the CDE to shift the program to a grant-based program in which the CDE funds organizations providing scholarships, rather than directly provide scholarships. Senator Todd voiced her support for the proposals in building up the capacity of educators. Representative McCann asked if they are wanting additional funding. Ms. Tritten explained that the existing program was made to receive federal funds, but they were never received.