; and (II) acquires a master's degree not later than 18 months after beginning the program; and (ii) in the case of a prospective early childhood educator— (I) becomes highly competent; (II) attains full State certification or licensure; and (III) acquires a baccalaureate degree or an associate's degree not later than 6 years after beginning the program. . (c) Expanding purposes Section 201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1022 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)— (A) by inserting and early childhood educators after prospective and new teachers ; (B) by inserting and early childhood educators after prospective teachers ; and (C) by inserting and early childhood educators after for new teachers ; (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting and early childhood educators after preparing teachers ; and (3) in paragraph (4), by inserting and early childhood education before force . (d) Including early childhood educators in partnership grants Section 202 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1022a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking , as applicable, ; (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting and early childhood educators after teachers ; (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting and early childhood educators after teachers ; (D) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting or early childhood educator after teacher ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting or early childhood educator after teacher ; (E) in paragraph (6)— (i) in subparagraph (E)(i), by striking , as appropriate, ; (ii) in subparagraph (F), by inserting and early childhood educators after general education teachers ; and (iii) in subparagraph (G), by inserting and early childhood educators after special education teachers ; and (F) in paragraph (7)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting and early childhood educators after prepare teachers ; and (ii) in subparagraph (C)— (I) by striking new teachers each place the term appears and inserting new teachers and new early childhood educators