(a) By September 1, 2023, the Department of Education (Department) shall implement a comprehensive support program for early childhood professionals including those employed by a public school.

(b) By January 31, 2023, the Department, in consultation with the Delaware Early Childhood Council, shall produce a plan for the comprehensive support program, informed by the early childhood workforce study required by § 3011 of this title. The Department shall consider inclusion of the following components:

(1) An educational loan forgiveness program.

(2) Scholarship and other financial support for early childhood professionals pursuing degrees and credential attainment.

(3) Salary supplements for early childhood professionals and a proposed scale for such supplements that increases based on higher levels of educational attainment, and policy proposals to have such supplements excluded as income for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance programs.

(4) Formalized alternative routes to credentialing and certification in early childhood professions, including development of an alternative route to certification similar to the programs currently employed for K-12 educators.

(5) Improvements and coordination for aspiring early childhood professionals of professional pathway programs and the Teacher Academy program in district and charter schools, including strategies to support more diversity, to provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities, and to accelerate postsecondary credit and credentials during high school.

(6) Supports for early childhood professionals in the workforce and aspiring professionals including paraprofessionals, community members, parents, bilingual candidates, and those without degrees.

(7) Partnerships with institutions of higher education to support pathways and career development and support for early childhood professionals. The partnership should consider the viability and effectiveness of the following completion supports for individuals seeking credentials and degrees in fields relevant to early childhood education including:

a. Tutoring.

b. Academic counseling and assistance in navigating credential requirements.

c. Embedded coaching and professional learning.

d. Community-based delivery of training at licensed child care and early learning providers.

e. Courses in languages other than English.

f. Developing or providing funding for substitutes when training or courses are offered during the work day.

(8) Assisting aspiring and current early childhood professionals to access other available financial supports, such as the Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) and Inspire scholarships.

83 Del. Laws, c. 500, § 1;