HB3105: Child day centers, licensed; approved credentials for program directors.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 63.2-1738 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 63.2-1738. Program leaders and child-care supervisors at licensed child day centers; approved credential.

Program leaders, program directors, and child-care supervisors employed by child day centers may possess an approved credential. For purposes of this section:

"Approved credential" means a competency-based credential awarded to individuals who work with children ages five and under in either a teaching, supervisory or administrative capacity and that is specifically awarded or administered by the National Association for the Education of Young Children; the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs; the Association of Christian Schools International; the American Association of Christian Schools; the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation; the National Accreditation Council for Early Childhood Professional Personnel and Programs; the International Academy for Private Education; the American Montessori Society; the International Accreditation and Certification of Childhood Educators, Programs, and Trainers; the National Accreditation Commission; the Virginia Community College System or other institution of higher learning; or its equivalent as determined by the Department.

"Program leader," "program director," or "child-care supervisor" means an individual designated to be responsible for the direct supervision of children and for the implementation of the activities and services for a group of children in a licensed child day center. The Department, the Board, the Child Day Care Council, and the State Board of Education shall recognize individuals who possess an approved credential, as defined by this section, as being fully qualified to hold the position of program leader, program director, or child-care supervisor in any private licensed child day center or private preschool.