Children - As enacted, allows a high school student who is older than 16 but younger than 19 to work in a child care center outside of school hours or during school hours through a work-based learning program if the student meets certain criteria. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 49; Title 50, Chapter 5 and Title 71.

HB 2398 allows high school students aged 15 to 19 to work in childcare centers during school hours (via work-based learning programs) or outside school hours, provided they’ve completed at least two courses in an education/training career cluster. It does not permit work in childcare centers located in a primary caregiver’s home. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to education, childcare licensing, and health to implement this change, effective July 1, 2026. This directly affects eligible students seeking work experience in childcare and childcare centers that may hire them under these conditions.