S 5299 United States Senate · 119th Congress

Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act

The Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act amends the Head Start Act to create distinct staffing qualification standards for Indian Head Start and Indian Early Head Start programs, separating them from the requirements applied to other center-based programs. Under this bill, teachers and teaching assistants in these specific tribal programs are permitted to be hired if they hold a child development associate credential, an early childhood education certificate from a college or university (including Tribal institutions), or a state-issued certificate that meets minimum standards. Alternatively, staff members may be hired with proof of enrollment in an approved education program, provided they complete the necessary coursework and earn their credential within two years of starting employment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Aug 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Aug 6, 2026 Last action Aug 6, 2026
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Total actions
2
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Committee
1
Aug 6, 2026
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
upper
Aug 6, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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