State Reps. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks) and Shelby Labs (R-Bucks) recently proposed legislation that would create a pilot program to support a pipeline to train the next generation of early education teachers.
This pilot program would utilize our local career and technical high schools and the dual enrollment opportunities provided at our community colleges. Enrolled students would graduate high school and be well-qualified to work in an early childhood care setting the day after they graduate.
Scholarships would be awarded to high school students who are dual enrolled in a qualified early childhood education program. When they graduate, they will have earned an associate’s degree and the required certifications at no direct cost to the student. As a condition of the scholarship, students would agree to teach for a specified period at a qualified early education facility.
“Right now, the early childhood education workforce is in crisis,” said Hogan. “Utilizing dual enrollment programs across Pennsylvania will help to address our workforce shortage in early childhood education, as well as help our teacher shortage in K-12 education through a sustainable method that doesn’t rely on one-time awards. Our proposed legislation is a key step to solving this crisis. I hope to see it get worked on this session.
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“As a mom and a lawmaker, I know how important it is for families to have access to quality early childhood education and that starts with a strong workforce,” said Labs. “This legislation offers a practical, sustainable way to build the next generation of early educators. I’m happy to co-prime this bill and work alongside Rep. Hogan to support both our future teachers and the families who count on them.
“Not only is the dual enrollment program a workforce development initiative; it is an incredible opportunity for our youth and a necessity for our economy. When child care and education programs can’t operate due to staffing shortages, everyone loses: working parents, local employers and the broader economy. This is a win for our future educators, our early learners and their families. The dual enrollment program has the potential to change how the Commonwealth approaches this complex issue,” said president and CEO of United Way of Bucks County, Marissa Christie.
The legislation is awaiting the assignment of a bill number and assignment to a committee.
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