Assessment of Early Childhood Education as a Licensed Profession in Vermont
The Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) is tasked with providing a preliminary assessment of early childhood education becoming a licensed profession in Vermont. The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children has submitted a petition asking OPR to analyze whether early childhood educators who hold primary responsibility for the learning and development of young children during the critical years from birth through age 8 be individually licensed by a stand-alone Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators as well-prepared, accountable professionals at the ECE I, ECE II, or ECE III designation they qualify for, with the accompanying respect and professional compensation that their critical role deserves – is consistent with the principles and standards set forth in 26 V.S.A. Chapter 57.
OPR's goal is to be informed of relevant issues, receptive to all views, and faithful to the analytical criteria set out in the statute. To best understand the process, participants are strongly encouraged to review the Chapter 57 criteria and standards.
Requests for Preliminary Assessment
The final report was submitted to the Vermont Legislature on January 24, 2025. Click here to read the full Early Childhood Education Sunrise Report.
Comments and Questions
The public comment period closed on October 2, 2024. Thank you to those who provided comment.
Public Hearings
OPR held two (2) public meetings in September to invite comment from the public and stakeholders. Public hearings were held in the OPR Board Room at 89 Main Street, 3rd floor, Montpelier, VT 05620 and available by video link.