Education Law

Higher ed law underscores pre-k initiatives

Preschool was definitely on the mind of Congress when it reauthorized the Higher Education Act before adjourning for the August recess. Early childhood educators will get a boost in training and financial support under the new Higher Education Opportunity Act (H.R. 4137), which was signed by President Bush on Aug. 14. The law includes the following components related to preschool:

Teacher Quality Partnership Grants - authorizes $300 million in grants to eligible partnerships, which can include high-need early childhood education programs or school districts and higher education institutions, to strengthen pre-service trianing and professional development for new early childhood educators.

Loan Forgiveness - offers loan forgiveness of up to $2,000 per year of employment (up to five years) to early childhood educators who work in an eligible preschool program in a low-income community. They must have completed a baccalaureate or an advanced degree in early childhood development or early childhood education or a related field.

Early Childhood Education Professional Development and Career Task Force - provides competitive grants to states to set up the statewide task force charged with improving the quality of early childhood education workforce.

NSBA is pleased that the law recognizes the critical role early childhood educators play in children's future success and the need to invest in their preparation and advancement. These higher education initiatives will help early childhood educators to meet higher standards, which are critical to helping to ensure high-quality early learning experiences for our nation's children. For more information on preschool, check out NSBA?s Pre-K Legislative Committee and updates on issues here.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on August 19, 2008 (boomark / email).