Sen. Stan Clouse intends to bring Head Start programs into state law

Approximately 5,500 children from low-income families in Nebraska are served by Head Start across 37 programs statewide, yet the program is not currently referenced in Nebraska statutes. State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney announced he intends to introduce legislation next year to officially bring these programs into state law, according to testimony provided during a Wednesday public hearing before the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee.

The move comes as the program relies on federal funding for 80% of its costs, with local governments providing the remaining 20%. Proponents of the legislation cite growing uncertainty regarding long-term federal support, noting that while the Trump administration has expressed interest in eliminating all federal funding for the program, those proposals have not been approved by Congress. Sen. Clouse previously introduced Legislative Resolution 472 to examine existing programs and establish a foundation for this future legislation.

Licensing Gaps Hinder Background Checks for New Hires

Clouse stated his office became aware of the need for statutory recognition after issues arose regarding fingerprint-based background checks for new hires. While federal law requires these checks, they are processed through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Jill Bomberger, the Head Start director for Saunders and Lancaster counties, testified that some programs lack the specific childcare licensing required to access those state resources.

Thank you Nebraska Stan Clouse for your support of Head Start, and for encouraging your constituents to submit a comment on proposed changes to Head Start during the recent comment period.If adopted, these changes would replace consistent high national standards… pic.twitter.com/riA3lZiAk8

— https://x.com/FirstFiveNebr/status/2107895856271593753

Mitchell Clark, a policy adviser for First Five Nebraska, said this lack of authority leaves some programs in

“limbo”

when attempting to hire new staff. Clark indicated he will likely introduce a bill to resolve these specific concerns while exploring other areas for improvement.

Head Start Staff Struggle to Maintain Teaching Certificates

Beyond licensing, officials are seeking ways to prevent the loss of certified educators. Bomberger testified that employment within Head Start does not currently satisfy the requirements to maintain a teaching certificate in Nebraska. This forces certified teachers to either pursue graduate courses, relocate to a school system, or forfeit their certification.

Sen. Stan Clouse intends to bring Head Start programs into state law — Photo: yahoo.com

Bomberger suggested that allowing teaching practice within Head Start to fulfill state requirements would help the program retain key professionals. Clark added that defining the program in statute would provide stability for staff and families, noting,

“if the state Legislature would consider anything else to support Head Start, it’ll make it a little easier, because state statute recognizes it and knows what it is.”

The federal program, which serves expectant mothers and children up to age 5 through services including developmental screenings and medical and dental access, originally began in 1965.