On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood may, in conjunction with colleges or universities in this State, establish programs to train low-income older persons to be child care workers. The Department shall prescribe, by rule:

1. (a) age and income qualifications for persons to be trained under such programs; and
2. (b) standards for such programs to ensure that such programs train participants to be skilled workers for the child care industry.

(Source: P.A. 103-594, eff. 6-25-24.)