Congress·In Committee·S. 2819

Sen. Sanders Introduces Bill to Set $60,000 Minimum Wage for Head Start Teachers

Head Start for America's Children Act

6 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Part of: Head Start for America's Children Act

⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

↔Companion bill: Rep. Tlaib Introduces Bill to Raise Head Start Teacher Salaries to $60,000 and Expand Enrollment

Legislative Progress

Senate

House

President

Law

Key Points

This bill would significantly raise pay for Head Start teachers and staff. Starting in 2026, the minimum base salary for educational staff would be $60,000 a year. The goal is to make sure these teachers earn as much as local elementary school teachers with similar experience, helping programs attract and keep qualified workers.
From policy text
“the amount required in order for parity to be achieved between-- ``(I) 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”
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More families would qualify for free preschool and support services. The bill opens the program to families earning up to 60% of their state’s median income. It also makes children of Head Start employees, children in foster or kinship care, and children with disabilities automatically eligible for the program.
From policy text
“their families' incomes are below 60 percent of the State median income for a family of the same size; ``(II) their families are eligible or, in the absence of child care, would potentially be eligible for public assistance; or ``(III) the children previously participated in a full year of a Head Start (which may be an Early Head Start) program;”
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Most Head Start programs would be required to offer services all year long instead of just during the school year. By late 2027, programs must provide at least 1,380 hours of service per year. This change is designed to better support working parents who need reliable childcare throughout the entire year.
From policy text
“with respect to the provision of Head Start (including Early Head Start) center-based services in a year, a minimum of 1,380 hours during that year.”
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The policy adds a major focus on mental health for children, their families, and the staff. It requires regular mental health screenings for kids and provides more support for teachers. It also sets strict rules to limit the use of physical restraints and bans the practice of isolating children in locked rooms.
From policy text
“provide adequate mental health screening for all children participating in such programs and mental health consultation services, including-- ``(A) appropriate follow-up and referrals; and ``(B) information for parents to access services to address potential mental health concerns;”
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To pay for these changes, the bill authorizes $144.8 billion for the first year. It also creates new grants to help Head Start programs partner with colleges to help student parents and with local childcare centers to improve the quality of care in the community.
From policy text
“for fiscal year 2026, $144,872,000,000; and ``(2) for each succeeding fiscal year, the amount appropriated under this section for the fiscal year preceding that succeeding fiscal year, increased to reflect the annual adjustment percentage.”
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Sep 16, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sep 16, 2025

Introduced in Senate

Related News

5 articles

Michigan Public·22 days ago

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 a $60,000 minimum, align hours with working parents' schedules, and invest in facility upgrades to address staffing shortages and waitlists.

NYC Today·13 days ago

Tlaib Introduces Bill to Expand Head Start to 11 Million Children

The legislation, co-led by Rep. Summer Lee, seeks to fully fund Head Start, raise teacher salaries to at least $60,000, and extend program hours. It serves as a House companion to Sen. Bernie Sanders’ bill, aiming to protect the program from recent federal funding cuts and office closures.

Kitchen Table News·21 days ago

Rashida Tlaib Introduces Bill to Expand Head Start for 11 Million Kids

The Head Start for America’s Children Act aims to increase eligibility to families earning up to 60% of state median income. Tlaib emphasized that underfunding has led to aging facilities and staffing crises, noting that only 30% of eligible children in Michigan currently have access to a slot.