Early childhood education employees; clarify qualifications exemption for those employed in programs not granted by SDE.

HB 1206 clarifies that teachers and assistant teachers working in prekindergarten or early childhood education programs within state-chartered schools (authorized by the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board) are exempt from standard teaching qualification requirements. This exemption specifically applies to programs not granted by the Mississippi State Department of Education (SDE), meaning staff in these charter school programs do not need bachelor's or associate's degrees in early childhood education or related certifications. The bill does not change existing requirements for staff in SDE-funded programs but explicitly confirms the exemption for charter school employees in non-SDE programs. It takes effect July 1, 2026.