(A) As used in this section, "preschool program" has the same meaning as in section 3301.52 of the Revised Code.

(B) Subject to divisions (C) and (D) of this section, beginning in fiscal year 2006, no preschool program, and no early childhood education program or early learning program as defined by the department of education shall receive any funds from the state unless fifty per cent of the staff members employed by that program as teachers are working toward an associate degree of a type approved by the department.

(C)

(1) Subject to division (C)(2) of this section, beginning in fiscal year 2010, no preschool program, and no early childhood education program or early learning program as defined by the department, existing prior to fiscal year 2007, shall receive any funds from the state unless every staff member employed by that program as a teacher has attained an associate degree of a type approved by the department.

(2) Beginning in fiscal year 2011, no preschool program, and no early childhood education program or early learning program as defined by the department, existing prior to fiscal year 2007, shall receive any funds from the state unless fifty per cent of the staff members employed by the program as teachers have attained a bachelor's degree of a type approved by the department.

(D)

(1) Subject to division (D)(2) of this section, beginning in fiscal year 2012, no preschool program, and no early childhood education program or early learning program as defined by the department, established during or after fiscal year 2007, shall receive any funds from the state unless every staff member employed by that program as a teacher has attained an associate degree of a type approved by the department.

(2) Beginning in fiscal year 2013, no preschool program, and no early childhood education program or early learning program as defined by the department, established during or after fiscal year 2007, shall receive any funds from the state unless fifty per cent of the staff members employed by the program as teachers have attained a bachelor's degree of a type approved by the department.

Effective Date: 09-28-1999; 06-30-2005; 2007 HB119 09-29-2007 .