Luján, Kim Introduce Legislation to Support Student Success through Early Childhood Education

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), one of only two Head Start graduates to serve in the Senate, and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act, legislation to bolster early childhood education training for school admin and leaders and help them lay the groundwork for our youngest learners' long-term success.

"As one of only two Senators who attended Head Start, I know firsthand how critical early childhood education is to laying the foundation for lifelong success," said Senator Luján. "That's why I'm proud to introduce legislation to expand training requirements so school leaders receive training to support younger students. This legislation will benefit our children and better equip staff to work in early childhood settings."

"I've seen firsthand how early childhood programs unlock a world of opportunities for young kids across New Jersey. We should be doing all we can to give these programs and the educators running them all the support they need. I hope with this legislation we can deliver them another tool to look after their success and the long-term success of students across our nation," said Senator Kim.

The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would amend the Higher Education Act to expand training in early childhood education for principals and school leaders who play a major role in overseeing pre-K programs and further support these educators' impact on student achievement. In order to receive the Teacher Quality Partnership grant under the Higher Education Act, the legislation specifically requires leadership preparation programs to include coursework on child development, social-emotional development, developmentally appropriate behavioral supports, and instructional leadership for children from birth through age eight. It would also update requirements to strengthen engagement with parents, early childhood providers, and community partners to improve student outcomes.

The legislation is endorsed by the Association of Educational Services Agencies, National Association for the Education of Young Children, School Superintendents Association, The Early Care & Education Consortium, The Education Trust, and ZERO TO THREE.

Senator Luján has long fought to boost and safeguard early childhood education. In November, Senator Luján demanded answers from the Trump administration regarding delays in disbursing Head Start funds and pushed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure critical early childhood programs operate without disruption. In April, Senator Luján demanded the Trump administration stop its attacks on Head Start programs and reverse the firings of early childhood education workers.

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