Purpose

This bill would change child care rules to allow aides to supervise children and substitute for a teacher during specific times, improving coverage at licensed child care centers.

Main provisions

• Adds Subd.7a (Staff distribution) to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 142B.41.
• An aide may substitute for a teacher during morning arrival and afternoon departure times, but the total substituted time cannot exceed 25 percent of the center’s daily hours of operation.
• Conditions for an aide to be used in this way:
  • The aide must be at least 18 years old.
  • The aide must have worked in the licensed child care center for a minimum of 30 days.
  • The aide must have completed all preservice and first 90 days training required for licensing.
• This substitution is allowed notwithstanding Minnesota Rules part 9503.0040 subpart 1.9 2 item B, meaning it provides an exception to that existing rule.

How it changes existing law

• Creates a new staff-distribution option that lets aides fill in for teachers during key transition times (morning arrival and afternoon departure) in licensed centers.
• Establishes specific eligibility and training requirements for aides who may substitute.
• Sets a cap (25 percent) on how much of the day an aide can substitute.

Eligibility and training requirements for aides

• Age 18 or older.
• At least 30 days of employment at the center.
• Completion of all preservice training and the first 90 days of licensing training.

Practical implications

• May provide more flexible staffing during busy transition times.
• Could affect scheduling, staffing costs, and classroom dynamics in centers.

Relevant Terms - aide - substitute - teacher - licensed child care center - morning arrival - afternoon departure - hours of operation - 25 percent - preservice training - first 90 days training - 18 years old - 30 days - Minnesota Rules 9503.0040 - Subd.7a - staff distribution - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 142B.41