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119-s-2323119th CongressWALLET

HEADWAY Act

Sponsored By: Senator Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

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.

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  • 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.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

GA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]

    WV • R

    Sponsored 7/17/2025

  • Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 10/27/2025

  • Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 10/27/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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