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.

SB 2637 sets a minimum age requirement for childcare staff in Tennessee, requiring anyone serving as a teacher or assistant teacher in programs for children four years old or younger to be at least 18 years old. This bill directly affects childcare providers and educators working with infants and toddlers in licensed early childhood programs. It amends Tennessee law (TCA Title 49 and Title 71) to implement this age requirement, which will take effect on July 1, 2026. The change aims to establish a baseline qualification standard for early childhood educators in state-regulated childcare settings.