HB476 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Terri CollinsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Education, Early Childhood Education, secretary, provide qualifications for, Sec. 26-24-2 am'd.

Summary

HB476 would establish formal qualifications for the Secretary of Early Childhood Education, including education and experience requirements.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines who can be appointed as Secretary by listing necessary education and work experience. It requires either a master's degree or at least 36 hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in early childhood education or childhood development, plus extensive experience in supervisory and management roles related to early childhood (birth to age eight, school readiness, and related administration). It also notes that certification in education administration and supervision is preferred but not required, and it confirms other existing governance provisions such as appointment by the Governor and related duties.

Who It Affects

• Aspiring candidates for the position of Secretary of Early Childhood Education, who must meet the new degree/credit and experience requirements.
• The Governor, who appoints the Secretary and must select someone who meets these qualifications; this also ties into related duties like salary setting, oath, and bond requirements.

Key Provisions

• Requires a master's degree or completion of at least 36 hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in early childhood education or childhood development for the secretary candidate.
• Requires extensive experience in educational supervision and management in birth-to-eight early childhood areas, school readiness, early care education, school improvement, and related administration.
• States that certification in education administration and supervision is preferred but not required.
• Affirms that the secretary is appointed by the Governor, serves at the Governor's pleasure, and must meet other established conditions (salary determination, oath, bond, full-time duty, and prohibition on holding other positions).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education