The state department shall develop and maintain a statewide voluntary child care credentialing system that recognizes the training and educational achievements of persons providing early childhood care and education. The use of the voluntary child care credentialing system must include but need not be limited to the early childhood councils. The voluntary child care credentialing system is a multitiered system of graduated credentials that reflects the increased training, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies of persons working in early childhood care and education services in the various councils. The voluntary child care credentialing system must award credit for the education and training of persons working in early childhood care and education concerning the prevention of child sexual abuse. Such education and training includes understanding healthy child development, creating safe environments for children, recognizing signs of abuse and problematic behaviors, and responsible methods of response to disclosures or concerns of abuse or potential abuse. The state board shall promulgate such rules as are necessary for the statewide implementation of the voluntary child care credentialing system.
Source: L. 2007: Entire section added, p. 1643, § 10, effective May 31. L. 2018: Entire section amended, (HB 18-1064), ch. 245, p. 1518, § 3, effective May 24.