AN ACT to create additional ways for individuals to earn a north carolina early childhood credential.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  Definitions. – As used in this section, Commission means the North Carolina Child Care Commission and Credential Rule means 10A NCAC 09 .0102(32).

SECTION 1.(b)  Temporary Rule. – Until the effective date of the revised permanent rule the Commission is required to adopt pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, the Commission shall implement the Credential Rule, as provided in subsection (c) of this section.

SECTION 1.(c)  Implementation. – The North Carolina Early Childhood Credential shall mean the State early childhood credential that is based on any of the following: (i) a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential based upon completion of required early childhood coursework taken at any North Carolina community college; (ii) a currently active Child Development Associate Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition, a Certified Child Care Professional Credential from the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, or a Montessori Credential from any of the the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, American Montessori Society, National Center for Montessori Education, or Association Montessori Internationale; (iii) a passing score on a test developed by the early childhood faculty of the North Carolina Community College System designed to demonstrate an individual's mastery of the concepts taught in early childhood coursework taken at any North Carolina community college; or (iv) other equivalencies as determined by the Division of Child Development and Early Education, Department of Health and Human Services. Those other equivalencies shall earn the same education points in the Quality Rating Improvement System toward a Star Rating as the NC Early Childhood Credential.

SECTION 1.(d)  Additional Rulemaking Authority. – The Commission shall adopt a rule to amend the Credential Rule consistent with subsection (c) of this section. Notwithstanding G.S. 150B‑19(4), the rule adopted by the Commission pursuant to this section shall be substantively identical to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are not subject to Part 3 of Article 2A of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. Rules adopted pursuant to this section shall become effective as provided in G.S. 150B‑21.3(b1), as though 10 or more written objections had been received as provided in G.S. 150B‑21.3(b2).

SECTION 1.(e)  Applicability and Sunset. – This section is effective when it becomes law. This section expires when permanent rules adopted as required by subsection (d) of this section become effective.

SECTION 2.  Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.