S. 2166: Head Start for Our Future Act

This bill, known as the Head Start for Our Future Act, aims to make changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965 concerning Federal work-study programs. The key points of the bill include:

Amendments to the Work-Study Program

The bill proposes to amend section 441(c)(1) of the Higher Education Act which currently mentions "literacy training." It will replace this language to specifically include "child development and early learning," which encompasses Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This would allow students participating in work-study programs to work in these child development programs as a part of their educational experiences.

New Requirements for Agreements

The bill adds new provisions to the agreement requirements for Federal work-study programs. It ensures that any Head Start or Early Head Start program employing work-study students must adhere to specific requirements outlined in the Head Start Act. These requirements include:

• Compliance with sections 645A(j) and 648A(h) of the Head Start Act.

Regulations for Students in Work-Study Programs

Early Head Start Programs

For students serving in Early Head Start programs, the bill establishes that:

• The Early Head Start agency must comply with existing requirements before employing a student.
• Students must follow applicable personnel policies related to the program.
• Students will be considered paid staff but will not be left alone with children and will not count towards the required staff-to-child ratios.

Head Start Programs

Similar provisions apply to students involved with Head Start programs:

• The Head Start agency must meet the specified requirements prior to employing a student.
• Students must adhere to the personnel policies applicable to the Head Start program.
• Students will serve as paid staff but cannot be alone with children and will not be included in staff-to-child ratios.

Overall Impact

This bill seeks to enhance the role of students in work-study programs by integrating them into child development services, thereby potentially providing beneficial experiences for both students and the children in these educational programs. By doing so, it aims to strengthen early education initiatives across the country.

Relevant Companies

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