Head Start for America’s Children Act
Rep. Tlaib Introduces Bill to Raise Head Start Teacher Salaries to $60,000 and Expand Enrollment
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- The bill would provide a massive funding boost to the Head Start program, starting with $144.8 billion in 2026. This money is intended to help the program reach more children and provide higher-quality services across the country.
From policy text
“There is authorized to be appropriated, and there is appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to the Secretary to carry out this subchapter (other than provisions funded under subsection (b))-- ``(1) for fiscal year 2026, $144,872,000,000;”
View in full text - Teachers and staff would receive a significant pay raise. The plan sets a minimum starting salary of $60,000 for educational staff and requires that their pay be similar to what local public school teachers earn.
From policy text
“the compensation provided to Head Start program educational staff with similar credentials and experience to elementary school educators employed by the local educational agency serving the area of the Head Start program; and ``(II) the compensation provided to such elementary school educators; or ``(ii) includes an annual base salary of-- ``(I) for fiscal year 2026, $60,000;”
View in full text - More families would be able to enroll their children. Eligibility would expand to include families making up to 60% of their state's median income, as well as children in foster care, those with disabilities, and children of Head Start employees.
From policy text
“their families' incomes are below 60 percent of the State median income for a family of the same size;”
View in full text - Most Head Start centers would be required to operate year-round. By late 2027, programs would need to offer at least 1,380 hours of service per year to better support parents who work full-time schedules.
From policy text
“by September 30, 2027, each Head Start agency (including, for purposes of this subsection, an Early Head Start agency) providing center-based services under this subchapter shall provide the services on a full calendar year schedule.”
View in full text - The policy places a new focus on mental health and safety. It provides more funding for counselors and mental health screenings while strictly banning the use of physical or chemical restraints to control children's behavior.
From policy text
“prevent seclusion, mechanical restraint, and chemical restraint, and prevent and reduce physical restraint, in Head Start programs;”
View in full text - Special grants would be created to improve facilities and transportation. This includes $5 billion to fix up buildings and over $91 million to buy buses so that children in rural or underserved areas can get to class safely.
From policy text
“$5,000,000,000 for improving or purchasing Head Start (including Early Head Start) program facilities under section 644(g), based on demonstrated need, in addition to any amounts otherwise available for activities described in this subparagraph; and ``(B) $91,575,000 to facilitate children's access to Head Start (including Early Head Start) services through age-appropriate transportation, including through the purchase of vehicles under section 644(g), based on demonstrated need”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Related News
4 articles
Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib introduces bill to expand Head Start
Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduced the Head Start for America’s Children Act to expand the program to 11 million children. The bill would raise educator pay to at least $60,000, align program hours with working parents' schedules, and counter recent federal funding cuts and office closures.
Tlaib Introduces Bill to Expand Head Start to 11 Million Children
The legislation would fully fund Head Start to serve 11 million children, raise educator pay to a $60,000 minimum, and expand eligibility to families earning up to 60% of state median income. It serves as the House companion to a Senate bill led by Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Rashida Tlaib Introduces Bill to Expand Head Start for 11 Million Kids
The proposed Head Start for America’s Children Act seeks to broaden the program's reach to 11 million children. Key provisions include securing full funding, adjusting schedules for working parents, and increasing educator salaries to a minimum of $60,000 annually with full benefits.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Head Start for America’s Children Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(32)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.