What does Preamble of HR 7637 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To amend the Head Start Act to improve the Act.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7637 do?

This bill is formally titled the Head Start for America's Children Act.

What does STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. of HR 7637 do?

This section amends Section 636 of the Head Start Act. The amendments modify language related to the growth of infants, toddlers, and children. Paragraph (1) of Section 636 is revised to specify 'the growth of infants, toddlers, and children' instead of 'children's growth'. Paragraph (2) of Section 636 is revised to specify 'infants, toddlers, children' instead of 'children', and inserts 'mental health' before 'educational'.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 7637 do?

This section amends Section 637 of the Head Start Act to modify definitions. The definition of 'full calendar year' is expanded to include a minimum of 1,380 hours for Head Start center-based services. The definition of 'Indian tribe' is clarified, and 'Freely Associated States' are defined. The definition of 'interrelater reliability' is expanded to include training on linguistically and culturally appropriate practices. The term 'limited English proficient' is removed and replaced with 'children who are developing English proficiency'. Professional development requirements are updated to include supporting linguistically and culturally responsive learning outcomes. New definitions are added for terms such as 'annual adjustment percentage,' 'assistive technology,' 'bureau-funded school,' 'chemical restraint,' 'developing English proficiency,' 'mechanical restraint,' 'Native American,' 'Native American Head Start agency,' 'Native Hawaiian,' 'Native Hawaiian educational organization,' 'physical restraint,' 'seclusion,' and 'universal design for learning'. The paragraphs of Section 637 are reordered alphabetically by the first term defined in each paragraph.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of HR 7637 do?

This section amends the Head Start Act to authorize appropriations for various programs. For fiscal year 2026, $144,872,000,000 is authorized for the Secretary to carry out the subchapter, excluding provisions funded under subsection (b). Subsequent fiscal year appropriations are based on the previous year's amount, adjusted by an annual adjustment percentage. Additional appropriations are authorized for specific projects from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. These projects include improving or purchasing Head Start facilities ($5,000,000,000), facilitating children's access to services through transportation ($91,575,000), funding the Rebuilding the Head Start Workforce Grant program ($37,500,000), the community eligibility pilot program ($95,000,000), Head Start agency and higher education partnerships ($500,000,000), extended operation grants ($863,000,000), and Head Start agency and child care provider partnerships ($1,625,000,000).

What does FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. of HR 7637 do?

This section amends Section 638 of the Head Start Act. The amendment inserts “(a)” before “The Secretary” in Section 638. The amendment modifies language related to the criteria for financial assistance, specifically concerning children's readiness. The amendment requires the Secretary to ensure financial assistance accounts for the costs of serving children with disabilities.

What does REGIONAL OFFICES. of HR 7637 do?

This section amends the Head Start Act by striking and replacing section 639. The Secretary is required to maintain at least 10 regional offices and 2 program offices of the Office of Head Start. These offices must effectively and efficiently serve Head Start programs by scaling up technical assistance, supporting local programs, and improving program quality. The Secretary will develop proposals for regional office regions, considering factors like the number of Head Start agencies and eligible families, and will seek public comment before designating regions. At least one program office will be designated for Native American Head Start programs and one for migrant and seasonal Head Start programs. Each regional or program office head must ensure adequate staffing to meet the requirements outlined in subsection (a).

What does ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS; LIMITATIONS ON ASSISTANCE. of HR 7637 do?

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What does DESIGNATION OF HEAD START AGENCIES. of HR 7637 do?

This section amends the Head Start Act to modify the designation renewal system. Changes are made to Section 641(c) regarding the designation renewal process, including replacing 'Indian' with 'Native American' and 'tribal' with 'Tribal'. Paragraph (10) of Section 641(c) is amended to replace 'and Labor' with 'and Workforce'. Section 641(d)(2) is amended to include 'mental health' considerations and specify culturally and developmentally appropriate services. The criteria for designation when no entity is renewed are revised, adding consideration for entities supporting the mental health and well-being of children. Subclause (I) of clause (iii) in subparagraph (J) is amended to include services promoting literacy in Native American languages for Native American Head Start programs. References to 'limited English proficient children' and 'children who are developing English proficiency' are removed and replaced with 'or Native American' in Section 641(c). Section 641(e) is amended to prohibit non-Native American Head Start agencies from receiving grants for Native American Head Start programs. Section 641(h) is amended to include areas served by Native Hawaiian organizations or Native Hawaiian educational organizations.

What does STANDARDS AND MONITORING. of HR 7637 do?

This section amends the Head Start Act to update standards and monitoring procedures. Amendments to Section 641A(a) include inserting 'mental health' and expanding clauses related to Native American languages and cultures for Head Start programs operated by Native American Head Start agencies. Changes to Section 641A(b) involve redesignating subparagraphs, striking references to 'the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007' and inserting 'the Head Start for America's Children Act', and adding requirements for consultation with Native American communities. The Secretary is directed to consult with Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations and to use research to inform guidance for Native American Head Start agencies. Section 641A(c) updates language regarding children developing English proficiency. Section 641A(h) amends reduction and redistribution procedures, including specifying 'full calendar year' and clarifying references to 'Native American head start programs'.

Back to bills

To amend the Head Start Act to improve the Act. — HR. 7637

Head Start for America’s Children Act

Last updated: 2/20/2026 · Introduced: 2/20/2026

Author: Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill amends the Head Start Act to improve the program by expanding definitions, increasing funding, and modifying eligibility criteria to serve more children and families.
It authorizes appropriations of $144,872,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years, with adjustments based on an annual adjustment percentage, to support various Head Start programs and services.
The bill requires the Secretary to ensure financial assistance accounts for the costs of serving children with disabilities and to provide technical assistance and training to Head Start agencies to prevent seclusion, mechanical restraint, and chemical restraint.
It establishes new programs, including the Community Eligibility Pilot Program, Extended Operation Grants, and Head Start and Child Care Partnerships, to improve the quality and accessibility of Head Start services.
The bill prioritizes the mental health and well-being of children, staff, and families, and requires Head Start agencies to provide mental health screening, consultation, and access to mental health resources.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 30 more.

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