Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act of 2026

This bill would direct the U.S. Secretary of Education, working with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to award competitive grants to partnerships that create, support, or expand career and technical education programs in early childhood education. Partnerships must include a career and technical education provider plus at least one other group, such as a college, child care provider, Head Start program, or local business or workforce board. Grant money could be used for classroom instruction, apprenticeships, credentials like the Child Development Associate, educator recruitment and training, student supports such as tutoring and child care assistance, and initiatives to raise pay for credentialed educators. Grants would last up to 5 years, with one possible 2-year extension, and recipients must arrange an independent evaluation and report to the Secretary each year.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Lucy McBath Democrat sponsor
• 5 cosponsors