What does Preamble of Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act do?

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify, review, and implement effective interventions in Head Start programs. The bill's stated purpose is to address Head Start programs.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act.

What does IDENTIFICATION OF EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS IN HEAD START of Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act do?

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify and review interventions, best practices, curricula, and staff trainings that improve the behavioral health of children in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The Secretary must focus on interventions that can be delivered within or associated with Head Start programs, support healthy development, and address needs through a tiered approach (universal, selected prevention, indicated prevention). The review should include interventions that incorporate trauma-informed care and have a proven record of improving early childhood development. The Secretary is also tasked with identifying and reviewing interventions that support staff wellness and self-care. The Secretary will determine appropriate credentials for individuals delivering these interventions, consulting with experts. The Secretary must consult with various agencies and organizations and solicit public input on the review design and findings. The initial reviews are required within two years of the Act's enactment, with updates every five years. The Secretary must report the results of implementing this section to Congress every five years, starting within one year of enactment.

What does IMPLEMENTING THE INTERVENTIONS IN HEAD START PROGRAMS. of Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act do?

This section establishes a grant program for Head Start agencies. The Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families will award these grants. Grants will fund interventions, best practices, curricula, and staff trainings identified in section 2. The Assistant Secretary must ensure grantees represent a diversity of geographic areas, including urban, suburban, and rural areas.

What does EVALUATING IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERVENTIONS IN HEAD START of Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act do?

This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the implementation of interventions, best practices, curricula, and staff trainings in Head Start programs. The evaluation will determine if these interventions are effectively implemented and yield long-term savings. The Secretary must develop a method for making this determination, incorporating competency and testing approaches, performance measures, or other appropriate methods. Public input will be solicited on the design, findings, and conclusions of the evaluation process. The Secretary must conduct research and evaluation studies to carry out the evaluation. The method and initial determination must be developed within two years of the Act's enactment, with updates required at least every five years.

What does IMPLEMENTING THE EVALUATION FRAMEWORK FOR HEAD START PROGRAMS. of Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act do?

This section outlines the implementation of an evaluation framework for Head Start programs. The Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families will implement an evaluation method developed in section 4(a). Participation in the evaluation method is voluntary for Head Start programs and Early Head Start centers. The evaluation assesses the extent to which programs have implemented interventions, best practices, curricula, and staff trainings identified in section 2. The Assistant Secretary will provide technical assistance to grantees to support implementation and evaluation efforts.

What does BEST PRACTICE CENTERS. of Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act do?

This section establishes the possibility of funding Best Practice Centers in Early Childhood Training. The Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families is authorized to fund these centers. Up to five Best Practice Centers may be funded in universities and colleges. The centers are intended to prepare future Head Start agencies and staff. The centers will focus on interventions, best practices, curricula, and staff trainings identified in section 2.

What does FUNDING. of Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2036. The funds are intended to carry out sections 3(b), 4, and 6. The authorized appropriations are available until expended.

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Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act

Last updated: 5/29/2026 · Introduced: 5/29/2026

Author: Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify and review effective interventions, curricula, and staff trainings to improve the behavioral health of children in Head Start and Early Head Start programs, focusing on trauma-informed care and staff wellness.
The bill establishes a grant program administered by the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families to fund the implementation of these interventions within Head Start agencies across diverse geographic areas.
The bill authorizes $100,000,000 annually from 2027 through 2036 to support the identification, implementation, and evaluation of these interventions, as well as the establishment of Best Practice Centers for training Head Start staff.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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