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

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, SenatorsAndy Kim (D-N.J.)andBen Ray Luján (D-NM)introduced theCreating Early Childhood Leaders Actto bolster early childhood education training for school admin and leaders and help them lay the groundwork for our youngest learners’ long-term success.
“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.
“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.”
TheCreating Early Childhood Leaders Actwould 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.
“The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) applauds Senator Kim’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our country’s early childhood education system, which starts with ensuring a strong and well-trained early childhood workforce. The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act recognizes existing gaps in public school settings and takes steps to ensure future school leaders have the requisite training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children birth to age eight. As public preschool programs expand, it is critical that our youngest learners are provided with high-quality and developmentally appropriate instruction, similar to that in dedicated child care programs, regardless of where they are served,”said Radha Mohan, Executive Director, Early Care and Education Consortium.
“Early childhood development and education are essential to prepare children for kindergarten and set the stage for long-term academic development and achievement; however, too many children of color are denied access to high quality early learning programs. In recent years, many states and districts have expanded early learning opportunities, but more needs to be done to support the educators that are teaching students at this crucial stage. Early childhood educators need informed, well-trained school leaders to ensure that our nation’s students receive the education that they deserve. The Creating Early Childhood LeadersAct aims to provide the training and support needed to ensure that principals and school leaders have the content expertise and skills to support educators in providing high-quality learning opportunities for our youngest learners,”said Allison Rose Socol, Ph.D., Vice President of P-12 Policy, Practice & Research, EdTrust
As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, he continues to look after the long-term well-being and success of students and working families in New Jersey. In the Senate, he reintroduced hisSummer Meals REACH Actto combat “summer hunger” and helped introduce the bicameralChild Care for Working Families Actto ensure families across America can find and afford the high-quality childcare they need.
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