Head Start for America’s Children Act

This bill would amend the federal Head Start Act, which funds early education and family services for young children. It would provide about $144.9 billion for Head Start in fiscal year 2026, adjusted for inflation each year after, plus separate funds for facilities, transportation, staff, extended hours, and partnerships. It would require most center-based Head Start programs to run on a full calendar year schedule, with at least 1,380 hours a year, by September 30, 2027. It would raise the income limit for eligibility to 60 percent of state median income and add categories of children who qualify, such as children in foster or kinship care and children of Head Start staff. It would also add mental health services, disability supports, and Native American language and culture provisions.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Rashida Tlaib Democrat sponsor
• 43 cosponsors