Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act

Key Points

• This bill directs health officials to find and use the best proven methods to support the mental and emotional health of young children in Head Start programs. It focuses on helping kids learn how to manage their feelings and behavior through evidence-based training and curricula.
• The plan also includes a focus on the adults who work at these centers. It requires the government to identify ways to support staff wellness and self-care so that teachers and caregivers are better prepared to help the children in their care.
• If this becomes law, the government would provide grants to Head Start agencies in cities, suburbs, and rural areas. This money would be used to put these new mental health and behavior programs into action and train staff on how to use them effectively.
• The bill authorizes 100 million dollars in spending between 2027 and 2036 to pay for these programs and research. It also allows for the creation of up to five special centers at colleges and universities to train future Head Start workers in these mental health practices.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.