If funded, states would help schools hire and keep aides

The Education Secretary would send money to approved states, which would award competitive grants to help schools recruit and keep aides. Grants would cover aides in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and school-run preschools for children age 5 or younger. Competitive grants can go to local education agencies or service agencies serving high-need schools. Preschools must meet applicable licensing rules and be backed by an eligible agency. States need approved applications, and Congress must provide money before grants can be made. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

States would give some eligible applicants priority when awarding competitive grants. The priority applies to eligible local education agencies and service agencies serving high-need schools. Applicants qualify by serving more children from low-income families, having every school meet specified location rules, or having every school meet specified school meal rules. Low-income status follows school meal, cash aid, or Medicaid rules.

States receiving grants would send the Education Secretary yearly reports on aide pay, staffing, and recruitment efforts. Reports would cover statewide pay averages and pay and staffing among eligible agencies’ aides. Reports must count aides paid below state or agency averages, describe wage gains tied to statewide goals, identify recipients that used grants to add aides, and describe training and next year’s plans to help agencies with aide shortages. Reports are due each fiscal year in which a state receives a grant.