In response to a proposed rule from the Department of Education related to federal student loans, First Focus on Children registered its concern that the proposed changes would limit home visiting and other vital family support services by reducing the home visiting workforce.
“Home visiting connects expectant parents, new caregivers, and their young children with a support person, called a home visitor, who meets regularly and develops a connection with a family to support that family in achieving their goals and meeting their needs,” the comment reads. “We are concerned that the Department’s newly-proposed, narrowed definition of “professional degree” limits access to many of the advanced degrees pursued by members of the home visiting workforce.”
The filing urges the Department of Education to revise its proposed rule to include graduate nursing, behavioral health, and social work degrees within the definition of “professional degree” for purposes of federal student loan eligibility and applicable limits.