Explanation of Bill H.R. 7355

Explanation of Bill H.R. 7355

This bill, known as the "Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act of 2024," aims to direct the Secretary of Education, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to provide competitive grants to eligible partnerships. These grants will be used to establish, expand, or support career and technical education programs of study in early childhood education.

Summary of the Bill

The bill was introduced by Ms. Kuster, along with Ms. Bonamici, Mrs. Chavez-Deremer, and Mr. Lawler. It was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Education and Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible partnerships for the purpose of creating, supporting, or expanding career and technical education programs in early childhood education.

Grant Program for Career and Technical Education Programs of Study in Early Childhood Education

The bill establishes a grant program to provide funding to eligible partnerships. These grants will support the establishment, support, or expansion of career and technical education programs in early childhood education. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis.

The duration of a grant awarded under this program is generally 5 years. However, the Secretary may extend the grant period for an additional 2 years if the eligible partnership shows that they are achieving program objectives and improving education outcomes for students.

Application Process

To be considered for a grant, eligible partnerships must submit an application to the Secretary of Education. The application must include details on how the grant will be used to establish, support, or expand a career and technical education program in early childhood education. It should also outline the roles and responsibilities of each partner in the eligible partnership.

The application must include a description of the budget for the program and how the partnership will fund necessary expenses beyond the grant period. It should explain how the program will benefit students, including special populations, and how it will be coordinated with other relevant education activities. The application should also address the needs of regional, state, or local employers and the child care industry.

Priorities in Grant Awards

When awarding grants, the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services must ensure an equitable distribution across different geographic areas. They should prioritize applicants serving communities in rural and urban areas and those located in areas with a shortage of child care providers. Grant applications that include an institution of higher education with a program of study in early childhood education will receive priority. Additionally, if applicable, priority will be given to applicants that align their program goals with the needs identified in the statewide needs assessment or strategic plan for a preschool development grant.

Use of Funds

Each eligible partnership that receives a grant must use the funds to establish, support, or expand career and technical education programs in early childhood education. These programs should include curriculum development and delivery, supporting the recruiting and training of educators, improving career and technical education outcomes for students, and creating or expanding professional development activities for education professionals.

Evaluation and Reporting

Each eligible partnership receiving a grant must conduct an independent evaluation of their program and submit an annual report to the Secretary. This report should include a description of how the funds were used and the performance of the program in meeting specific indicators. The report should also include a quantitative analysis of the program's effectiveness in achieving its goals.

Definitions

The bill provides definitions for various terms used in the legislation, such as "child care provider," "early childhood education program," "eligible recipient," and "eligible partnership." These terms have specific meanings within the context of the bill.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici

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