Research shows that school leaders are the second most important factor in a student's success, trailing only the teacher. If a principal doesn't understand that a 4-year-old needs different teaching and discipline than a 14-year-old, the entire preschool program can suffer. This bill matters because it ensures that the people running our schools have the right expertise for every grade level they oversee, not just the older ones.

As more states expand public pre-kindergarten, more K-12 principals are finding themselves in charge of early childhood classrooms. If this bill becomes law, it helps ensure these programs are led by experts who understand brain development in the most critical early years of a child's life. Without it, school leaders may continue to apply 'big kid' rules and teaching styles to toddlers, which can lead to frustration for teachers and worse outcomes for kids.