U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Raphael Warnock have introduced the bipartisan Head Start Education and Development Workforce Advancement and Yield (HEADWAY) Act. This legislation aims to tackle workforce shortages in early child care by allowing Early Head Start teachers to earn their Child Development Associate credential while teaching.
As of February 2023, nearly 20% of positions in Head Start and Early Head Start programs were vacant nationwide. The HEADWAY Act seeks to offer greater hiring flexibility, attract qualified candidates, and ensure that classrooms are fully staffed.
“Workforce shortages in child care centers, including in Head Start and Early Head Start, can be particularly challenging for families and communities because so many parents rely on consistent childcare to be able to work. I am proud to help introduce the HEADWAY Act, which will add staff to Early Head Start classrooms, and give early-career child care workers the skills, mentorship, and experience they need to thrive,” Senator Capito stated.
Senator Warnock added, “I’m where I am today because of programs like Head Start. Ensuring our nation’s children have access to quality child care and excellent teachers is crucial, which is why I am so pleased to work across the aisle with Senator Capito on this effort. As the father of two young kids, I know how crucial education is during those formative years to their continued growth.”
The act aims to support professionals within Early Head Start while maintaining high standards in early childhood education.
