EQEL is a 20-hour training that can be completed over 2 years. These first 10 hours include: Culturally Responsive Practices, Responsive Caregiving, Brain Building, and Executive Function. The following roles hired after August 1, 2019 must complete EQEL unless an approved alternative was met: assistant teacher, lead teacher, family home licensee, program supervisor, assistant director, and center director. Alternatives include: an ECE Short or State Certificate, and DCYF-recognized college/credit bearing alternative credentials for the ECE Short or State Certificates.