Relating to establishing the Child-Care Professional Pathway program.

SB 2687 establishes Texas' Child-Care Professional Pathway program, enabling high school students in grades 11-12 to earn both a high school diploma and a child care credential simultaneously. The program requires school districts and colleges to form partnerships offering free, non-duplicative courses leading to either a Child Development Associate certificate or an associate degree in early childhood education fields. These partnerships must include articulation agreements, allow all 11th-12th graders to enroll, and ensure students meet graduation requirements while earning college credits. The bill directly affects Texas public high school students and participating colleges through this dual-credential pathway.