Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Early childhood teacher requirements (new law)

Published (5/9/2008)
By Thomas Hammell
Share on: 



Small communities could have an easier time filling early childhood teaching positions.

Sponsored by Rep. David Bly (DFL-Northfield) and Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), a new law removes the requirement that early childhood teachers be licensed in early childhood education. Teachers only need to be licensed, and the Board of Teaching may also grant a variance from this requirement.

The law is effective May 6, 2008, one day after gubernatorial action.

In an effort to improve the quality of Early Childhood Family Education programs throughout the state, the 2007 Legislature passed a law requiring licensed teachers for these programs. The new law’s purpose is to fix an unexpected outcome of that legislation. Supporters said it can be hard to find teachers with the required certification in rural areas.

HF2617/SF2796*/CH266

Session Weekly More...


Session Weekly Home



Related Stories


At Issue: Bill goes away, but provisions stay
Schools given ‘a little breathing room’
(view full story) Published 5/30/2008

At Issue: No controversy found to be controversial
Education policy bill veto puzzling to House sponsor
(view full story) Published 5/16/2008

At Issue: Trying to earn a passing grade
Conferees hope to quickly complete work on E-12 education bill
(view full story) Published 5/2/2008

At Issue: Opening the door to early learning
Office of Early Learning could raise school readiness
(view full story) Published 5/2/2008

At Issue: Will Minnesota leave ‘No Child’ behind?
Controversial federal education mandate has lawmakers looking for alternatives
(view full story) Published 4/18/2008

At Issue: Preparing youth for a world that’s flat
Interest in Mandarin Chinese curriculum increases
(view full story) Published 4/11/2008

At Issue: Broken or flawed?
Bills seek solution to complicated school funding system
(view full story) Published 3/28/2008

New Member: Rep. Steve Drazkowski
Special session delivers for Drazkowski’s district.
(view full story) Published 2/15/2008