HEADWAY Act
Sponsored By: Senator Raphael Warnock
In Committee
Summary
Requires at least one credentialed teacher in every Early Head Start classroom. The HEADWAY Act would replace fixed credentialing deadlines with a staffing standard that makes the Child Development Associate credential the minimum for that teacher. It would also require other direct-service teachers to work toward a CDA, complete related coursework, and receive a mentor from their employing agency.
Show full summary
- Families and children: Each Early Head Start classroom would have a credentialed teacher present, which aims to increase consistent qualified staffing in infant and toddler settings.
- Early Head Start teachers: Additional direct-service teachers would be expected to pursue at least a Child Development Associate credential and finish early childhood training while being paired with a mentor.
- Early Head Start programs: Agencies would need to provide mentors and shift from meeting past deadline dates to maintaining ongoing credential and training progress for staff.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More qualified Early Head Start teachers
If enacted, this bill would require one teacher in each Early Head Start classroom to hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Other teachers who provide direct services would have to be working toward a CDA and complete training or coursework in early childhood development. While they train, the Early Head Start agency would have to provide a mentor to guide the teacher's progress. This would affect families with children enrolled in Early Head Start centers.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Raphael Warnock
GA • D
Cosponsors
Shelley Capito
WV • R
Sponsored 7/17/2025
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 10/27/2025
Dan Sullivan
AK • R
Sponsored 10/27/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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