Education, Dept. of - As enacted, prohibits an individual from serving as a teacher or assistant teacher in a child care program for children who are four or younger unless the individual is at least 18. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 71, Chapter 3, Part 5.

HB 2573 requires child care programs in Tennessee to employ staff aged 18 or older as teachers or assistant teachers for children four years old or younger. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 49-1-1103(a) and related provisions to establish this age requirement, directly affecting early childhood educators in licensed child care settings. It takes effect on July 1, 2026, and does not apply to staff working with older children. The policy change aims to set a minimum age standard for early education roles, with no additional provisions or exemptions described in the bill text.