Head Start for Our Future Act

This bill expands the Federal work-study program to include **child development and early learning** as eligible community services. It specifically amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow students to participate in **Head Start and Early Head Start programs** as part of their work-study commitments, aiming to provide valuable experience and support early childhood education. The legislation introduces several safeguards for work-study students placed in these programs, requiring agencies to comply with **background check requirements** and ensure students adhere to all personnel policies. Work-study students will serve as **additional paid staff members** and are explicitly prohibited from being left alone with any child, always requiring the presence of a non-work-study paid staff member. Importantly, these students will not count towards the **staff-to-child ratios** applicable to Head Start and Early Head Start programs, thus preserving existing supervision standards.