S. 2323

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend the Head Start Act to permit some teachers in Early Head Start programs to teach while earning a child development associate credential.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · July 17, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Warnock · Committee: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Table of contents

• S. 2323
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Teachers in Early Head Start programs

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the or the .

SEC. 2. Teachers in Early Head Start programs

• Section 645A(h) of the Head Start Act () is amended— 42 U.S.C. 9840a(h)
  • in paragraph (1)—
    • by striking , not later than September 30, 2010, all teachersand inserting at least one teacher per classroom who is;
    • by striking Early Head Start programs located in Early Head Start centers, have a minimumand inserting an Early Head Start program located in an Early Head Start center, has a minimum;
    • by striking have been trained (or haveand inserting has been trained (or has; and
    • by striking and at the end;
  • by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
    • ensure that—
      • each additional teacher providing direct services to children and families described in paragraph (1) is working towards earning a credential that is, at a minimum, a child development associate credential and towards completing training (or equivalent coursework in early childhood development); and
      • during the period in which such a teacher is working towards earning that credential and completing that training or coursework, the Early Head Start agency employing the teacher shall provide a mentor to oversee the progress and guide the work of the teacher towards earning that credential and completing that training or coursework; and
  • by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
  • in paragraph (3), as so redesignated—
    • by striking not later than September 30, 2012, all such teachersand inserting at least one teacher per classroom providing direct services to children and families described in paragraph (1) has;
    • by striking (or haveand inserting (or has; and
    • by striking the period at the end and inserting .