House Bill 1648 Update
HB 1648 extends the timeline for early-learning professionals to meet staff qualifications requirements:
- Hired before Aug. 1, 2025: Must meet staff qualifications requirements by Aug. 1, 2030. Professionals with 5 years of cumulative or consecutive experience by Aug. 1, 2030, may use their experience to meet staff qualifications requirements. Note: The experience option cannot be used to meet ECEAP job role education or to earn Early Achievers professional development points.
- Hired on, or after, Aug. 1, 2025: Have 5 years from their date of hire or promotion to meet staff qualifications requirements. View House Bill 1648
Staff Qualifications
To qualify for your role, there are three general requirements:
- Pre-Service & Hiring Requirements: Must be completed before hire or soon after hire. These requirements depend on the program and job role.
- Education Requirements: Education is based on your program requirements and job role. You may have time to complete your education or may have other options, known as equivalents. DCYF works with partners to provide options within communities.
- Training Requirements: Professionals complete trainings that are specific to their job role and continue annual in-service training throughout their career.
Most staff qualifications and job role requirements are recorded in the Workforce Registry, MERIT. For MERIT support and instructions, visit the MERIT Workforce Registry webpage.
