AN ACT CONCERNING EARLY EDUCATOR PAY EQUITY.

HB 6899 establishes new pay standards for early childhood educators starting July 1, 2025, requiring all early childhood care and education programs (including child care centers, preschools, and family child care homes receiving state funds) to pay employees according to a state-developed compensation schedule. Programs must cover the difference between current salaries and the new schedule using state-provided salary enhancement grants: $20,000 per family child care home licensee, plus $6,000 for full-time staff and $3,000 for part-time staff. The bill mandates that employees earn at least the schedule amount, but keeps higher existing salaries if they exceed the new standard. These grants, administered by the Office of Early Childhood, are designed to ensure equitable pay without requiring programs to pay more than the state grant covers.