§9402 Definitions

Summary

Defines key words used in the chapter. Caregiver: a person (like a relative, neighbor, or family friend) who regularly or often looks after a child who is not their own, paid or unpaid. Child care provider: a paid, non-residential child care service (center, family, or in-home) that is legally operating and follows State and local rules. Early learning: learning activities that help young children build thinking, language, movement, and social-emotional skills and get ready for school. Early learning program: either a program that helps parents/caregivers/providers use early learning every day or one that directly teaches young children. Indian tribe: defined in 25 U.S.C. §5304. Local Council: a council set up under 20 U.S.C. §9413(a). Locality: a city, county, township, similar local area, an Indian tribe, a Regional Corporation, or a Native Hawaiian entity. Parent: biological, adoptive, stepparent, foster parent, legal guardian, or someone acting as a parent. Poverty line: the OMB poverty line, updated yearly under 42 U.S.C. §9902(2), for the family size. Regional Corporation: the entity named in 42 U.S.C. §619(4)(B). Secretary: the Secretary of Health and Human Services. State: each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Training: early learning instruction that meets at least one of these—required for State/local certification; required for a national or State credential; part of a postsecondary early learning program; or provided/certified/sponsored by a recognized early learning organization. Young child: any child from birth until the age they must start school in their State.