SB 1558

Abstract

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education, beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year and continuing for not less than 2 years, to make available to public institutions of higher education a model program of study, for credit, that incorporates the training and experience necessary to serve as a direct support professional. Requires the Board, by July 1, 2024, to submit recommendations developed in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, organizations representing community-based providers serving children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and elementary and secondary education practitioners, including, but not limited to, teachers, administrators, special education directors, and regional superintendents of schools, to the Department of Human Services for the training that would be required in order to complete the model program of study. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 110 ILCS 205/9.43 new Adds reference to: 110 ILCS 805/2-27 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that the Illinois Community College Board shall submit recommendations for a model program of study, for credit, that incorporates the training and experience necessary to serve as a direct support professional to the Department of Human Services. Provides that the model program of study shall be developed in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, organizations representing community-based providers serving children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and elementary and secondary education practitioners, including, but not limited to, teachers, administrators, special education directors, and regional superintendents of schools. Provides that beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year and continuing for not less than 2 academic years, the Illinois Community College Board shall make available to community colleges the model program of study developed by the Illinois Community College Board.