I want to start kids off with Python. It's the best language

I won't argue with that...

Right now they start on Visual Basic, which is disgusting.

But I would argue with that. VB is a far better language to teach in a controlled (ie classroom) environment than say Java or, worse still, C++. It's certainly not disgusting, modern VB has most of the things needed for teaching introductory programming. But Python is better because it takes you further before running out of steam. :-)

a Python certification program, that would be good enough for the board of education.

Sorry, can't help you there. I can't even get my employer to feel happy about Python, never mind an education authority! Alan G.