Early Childhood Educator Professional Improvement Act of 2026

This bill would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, working with the Secretary of Education, to give 5-year grants to states for early childhood educators. States would use the money for scholarships toward bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, help for educators with other degrees to earn an early childhood credential, higher pay for educators working toward and completing a degree, and ongoing professional development. To apply, states would describe their early childhood professional development system, including a career and wage lattice and partnerships with colleges. States must keep their own spending on these activities at least at the prior year's level, and grant money must add to, not replace, other funding. The bill authorizes such sums as necessary for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Grace Meng Democrat sponsor
• 5 cosponsors