Tucson Standard

U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani and Mikie Sherrill have reintroduced the HEADWAY Act, a bill aimed at addressing workforce shortages in Early Head Start programs and enhancing access to childhood education for families in need. The legislation, formally known as the Head Start Education and Development Workforce Advancement and Yield (HEADWAY) Act (H.R. 336), proposes allowing teachers in Early Head Start classrooms to earn their Child Development Associate credentials while teaching.

Ciscomani emphasized the importance of these programs, stating, "As a dad of six, I understand firsthand the critical role early childhood development programs play and the need to expand access for students and families in need." He noted that Arizona hosts 22 Head Start programs across 500 locations, highlighting the pressing issue of childcare workforce shortages that hinder family access.

Sherrill shared similar concerns from New Jersey's perspective: "I hear from Head Start and other childcare providers across New Jersey time and again about the challenges they face trying to find staff." She underscored her commitment to expanding affordable childcare access through this legislative effort.

The HEADWAY Act has garnered support from organizations such as the National Head Start Association, Save the Children, and local educators like Jeff Lavender of Casa Grande Unified High School District. Yasmina Vinci from the National Head Start Association praised the initiative: "We applaud Reps. Ciscomani and Sherrill for introducing this bipartisan legislation."

The Arizona Head Start Association also voiced its approval: "Expanding equitable opportunities through targeted support for the Early Head Start workforce will nationally reignite much-needed childhood development programming."

Christy Gleason of Save the Children stated that if enacted, "The HEADWAY Act would be a win for children and families across the United States."

Jeff Lavender expressed gratitude towards Ciscomani's efforts in tackling teacher shortages: "Thank you for action, not just rhetoric, Congressman Ciscomani!"

Bilingual author Maritza Higuera highlighted how this bill could fulfill aspiring educators' dreams: “This bill provides that to many of our future educators while investing in our future students and their families.”

The full text of this proposed legislation is available online.