Relating to establishing the Child-Care Professional Pathway program.

HB 4980 establishes the Child-Care Professional Pathway program in Texas, enabling high school students in grades 11-12 to concurrently earn a high school diploma and a child care credential. The program requires school districts or charter schools to partner with colleges to offer free, non-duplicative courses leading to either a Child Development Associate certificate or an associate degree in early childhood education. Participating students must complete coursework that satisfies both high school graduation requirements and college credential requirements through written agreements between schools and institutions of higher education. The bill directly affects Texas high school students, school districts, and colleges collaborating to prepare future child care professionals.