Ciscomani Attends Head Start on the Hill Rally
WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) attended the Head Start on the Hill rally to hear from members and senior Head Start officials about the critical importance of this program for early childhood development and provide an update on his work in Congress.
In February 2024, Ciscomani introduced bipartisan legislation to address childcare workforce shortages and expand access to Early Head Start programs for students and families in need. Specifically, the Head Start Education and Development Workforce Advancement and Yield (HEADWAY) Act (H.R. 7467) would allow Early Head Start teachers to teach while earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials. Doing so would give Head Start programs greater hiring flexibility while supporting education professionals and expanding access to childcare for families in need. Full text of the bill can be found here.
A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Mike Braun (R-IN).
“As an immigrant and dad of six, I understand firsthand the critical need to expand access to childhood development and care programs,” said Ciscomani. “I was so proud to attend the Head Start on the Hill rally to hear from members, parents, educators, and more about the value of Head Start programs. With nearly 500 locations across Arizona, and thousands across the United States, these programs are vital to the well-being of our families and children. In Congress, I will continue to push for legislation, funding, and other efforts to promote and expand access to Head Start.”
Ciscomani is a long-time advocate of Head Start programs across Arizona’s 6th Congressional District. In December 2023, Ciscomani visited the Head Start program in Tucson and in August 2024, Ciscomani visited the Head Start program in Casa Grande.
Additionally, as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Ciscomani helped secure an increase in funding for Head Start in the FY 25 House appropriations package.
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