PA HB780

Establishes the Early Childhood Educator Tuition Assistance Program within the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to provide grants covering tuition and attendance costs for individuals pursuing associate degrees or certifications in early childhood education at community colleges

Eligibility requires household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, enrollment in at least 6 credit hours per semester, current employment of at least 25 hours per week in an approved early childhood education program, and completion of all other federal/state financial aid applications

Grant recipients must sign a written agreement to remain employed at a Pennsylvania early childhood education program for at least 2 years after receiving their final grant payment

Creates the Early Childhood Educator Tuition Assistance Fund in the State Treasury, funded through annual General Fund appropriations and federal money

Requires annual reports by September 1 starting in 2025 to the Governor and legislative committees on student enrollment, retention rates, wage data, and job demand in early childhood education fields