Education

This bill defines chronic absenteeism as students missing 10 percent or more of their school attendance days in a year, regardless of whether those absences are excused or unexcused, and requires Vermont's Agency of Education to create a model policy to address the issue. It also clarifies definitions for terms like "absence," "truancy," and "excused absence," while expanding who counts as a parent or guardian to include older students, independent students, and unaccompanied homeless youth. The changes directly affect public schools, approved independent schools, and families by establishing clearer standards for tracking attendance and determining when absences are justified.

S.227 requires all Vermont public and approved independent schools to adopt policies preventing the sharing of student information with federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant. It prohibits schools from collecting immigration status data, designating such information as "directory information" under federal privacy law, or sharing student records with immigration agencies except as legally required. The bill mandates schools to provide immigration resources to staff and students, designate staff as immigration resource officers, and block federal agents from entering nonpublic school areas (like classrooms or cafeterias) without a warrant naming a specific individual. Schools are also barred from entering agreements that aid federal immigration enforcement, with the superintendent as the sole authority to approve any required federal agreements.

This bill requires Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation to establish a licensing system for early childhood educators working in child care programs regulated by the Child Development Division. It directly affects educators providing care and instruction to children from birth through age 8, creating three license levels (I, II, and III) based on education and experience. The bill establishes a nine-member Vermont Board of Early Childhood Educators to develop licensing rules, handle applications, and manage complaints. Key provisions include mandatory licensure for these educators, defined practice standards (like creating safe learning environments and family engagement), and a board appointment process ensuring diverse representation.