New Bill Would Clarify That Title I Funds Can Be Used for Pre-K

Lost amid the din of Senate ESEA reauthorization hearings this week was the introduction of an important piece of legislation.  Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) introduced the Early Learning Proficiency Act on Monday.

Though the draft legislation is only a few pages long, it addresses a very large issue.  The bill seeks to clarify that funds for Title I grants, programs for English language learners, and professional development for teachers all extend to prekindergarten.

Current law allows Title I funds to be used for children before they reach kindergarten. But there has been confusion among school district leaders and principals about how these funds can be used by eligible schools to support early childhood programs for children birth to 5. It is evident that clear and direct language on the use of Title I for early learning is needed.

The issue is not resolved by the bill that passed last night, 15-7, in the Senate’s Health Labor Education and Pensions Committee, although that bill does include several references to early education. Senator Boxer’s proposal, and others that we have written about and may see offered as amendments in the coming weeks, are designed to help in improving coordination from pre-kindergarten to the early elementary grades, a critical (and too often missing) link in supporting young children.  We will be watching for indications that the legislation will make an appearance as an amendment on the Senate floor, where the ESEA proposal is expected to be discussed on November 8.