Kids in Classes Act

The Kids in Classes Act proposes to give families more flexibility with federal education funding when in-person learning is unavailable at their local public schools. Specifically, the bill aims to allow parents of students in low-income (Title I) schools to redirect federal funds toward alternative educational options if their school closes due to a teachers' union strike or a public health emergency.

Under this proposal, families could use these funds to pay for a variety of educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring services, and instructional materials like books or technology. It also covers fees for standardized testing, diagnostic tools, and specialized therapies for students with disabilities. The goal of the legislation is to prevent learning loss by ensuring students have access to continuous, in-person instruction even when their assigned public school is not operating.

If enacted, the bill would effectively expand school choice for families in underserved communities during periods of disruption. By allowing federal money to follow the student, the bill seeks to provide a safety net for parents who might otherwise lack the financial resources to seek alternative schooling when public classrooms are closed.