Bill > S2166

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include child development and early learning as eligible community services under the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. Specifically, the bill allows college students to work in Head Start and Early Head Start programs as part of their work-study employment. The bill establishes important safeguards for these student workers, including requiring that they: (1) not be left alone with children, (2) not count toward mandatory staff-to-child ratios, and (3) comply with all personnel policies of the Head Start program. Additionally, Head Start agencies must follow specific hiring requirements before employing students through the work-study program. The bill, titled the "Head Start for Our Future Act", aims to provide college students with opportunities to gain experience in early childhood education while supporting Head Start programs, which provide comprehensive early learning and development services for low-income children and families. By integrating work-study opportunities with Head Start programs, the bill seeks to create a mutually beneficial arrangement for students, educational institutions, and early childhood education programs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2166/all-info