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

Comments and Questions

We hope to hear from any person who has an interest or opinion regarding this question. Please email comments to sos.opr.comments@vermont.gov. Consider including your contact information in case we need to reach you for more information. Please be aware that submitted comments are a public record. The public comment period will close on October 2, 2024.

To comment by post, please direct mail to:

ECE as a Licensed Profession in Vermont
Vermont Office of the Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation
89 Main Street, 3rd Floor Montpelier
Vermont 05602

Public Hearings

OPR will hold two (2) public meetings to invite comment from the public and stakeholders. Public hearings will be held at 89 Main Street, 3^rd floor, Montpelier, VT 05620 and available by webinar.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Microsoft Teams
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 254 613 624 115
Passcode: 5fB28Y
Dial in by phone: +1 802-828-7667,,831650292# United States, Montpelier
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Phone conference ID: 831 650 292#
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Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Microsoft Teams
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 299 142 363 629
Passcode: XpXzdM
Dial in by phone: +1 802-828-7667,,751154096# United States, Montpelier
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Phone conference ID: 751 154 096#
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We look forward to hearing from you.