What does Preamble of S 2819 do?

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

What does SHORT TITLE. of S 2819 do?

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

What does STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. of S 2819 do?

This section amends Section 636 of the Head Start Act. The amendment modifies paragraph (1) to refer to 'the growth of infants, toddlers, and children' instead of 'children's growth'. The amendment modifies paragraph (2) to refer to 'infants, toddlers, children' instead of 'children'. Paragraph (2) is also amended to include 'mental health' before 'educational'.

What does DEFINITIONS. of S 2819 do?

This section amends Section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832) to revise 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 to include 'Indian' as a member of an Indian tribe. The definition of 'State' is updated to include the Freely Associated States. The definition of 'interrelater reliability' is expanded to include adequate training for raters and observers. 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,' 'mechanical restraint,' 'Native American,' 'Native Hawaiian,' and 'seclusion'. The paragraphs of Section 637 are reordered alphabetically by the first term defined in each paragraph.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of S 2819 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 years' appropriations will be 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 additional projects include $5,000,000,000 for improving or purchasing Head Start facilities, $91,575,000 for transportation, $37,500,000 for the Rebuilding the Head Start Workforce Grant program, $95,000,000 for the community eligibility pilot program, $500,000,000 for Head Start agency and higher education partnerships, $863,000,000 for extended operation grants, and $1,625,000,000 for Head Start agency and child care provider partnerships. Funding for these additional projects is 'based on demonstrated need' and 'in addition to any amounts otherwise available'.

What does FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. of S 2819 do?

Section 638 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9833) is amended. 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 Secretary is required to ensure that financial assistance accounts for the costs of serving children with disabilities.

What does REGIONAL OFFICES. of S 2819 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 must develop proposals for regional office regions, considering factors like the number of Head Start agencies and eligible families, regional capacity, and cultural/linguistic needs. Public comment will be sought before designating regional office 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 S 2819 do?

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What does DESIGNATION OF HEAD START AGENCIES. of S 2819 do?

This section amends the Head Start Act to modify the designation renewal system. Changes are made to Section 641(c) to replace instances of 'Indian' with 'Native American' and 'tribal' with 'Tribal', and to include consultation with Native Hawaiian organizations. Section 641(d)(2) is amended to include 'mental health' considerations and expand criteria for designation when no entity is renewed. The amendments to Section 641(d)(2) also specify services promoting literacy in Native American languages for Native American Head Start programs. Language regarding limited English proficient children is revised to include 'or Native American'. 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 S 2819 do?

This section amends the Head Start Act to update standards and monitoring requirements. Amendments to Section 641A(a) of the Head Start Act include inserting 'mental health' and 'abilities related to Native American languages and cultures' into the listed standards. Changes to Section 641A(b) require the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, and to use research to inform guidance for Native American Head Start agencies. The amendments specify that Head Start programs must include provisions for children with disabilities and those developing English proficiency. Section 641A(c) updates language regarding children developing English proficiency. Section 641A(h) modifies reduction and redistribution procedures, specifically addressing Native American Head Start programs and requiring full calendar year consideration.

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Head Start for America's Children Act — S. 2819

Last updated: 9/16/2025 · Introduced: 9/16/2025

Author: Bernie Sanders (I-VT)

TL;DR (AI)

The Head Start for America's Children Act authorizes appropriations for various Head Start programs, including $144,872,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and additional funds for specific projects such as facility improvements and workforce development.
The Act expands eligibility for participation in Head Start programs to include children from families with incomes below 60% of the State median income, homeless children, and those in foster care or experiencing child abuse or neglect.
The legislation requires Head Start agencies to provide services on a full calendar year schedule by September 30, 2027, with exemptions for migrant and seasonal Head Start agencies and Native American Head Start agencies.
The Act focuses on mental health support within Head Start and Early Head Start programs, requiring agencies to support adult mental health, provide mental health screening and consultation, and facilitate access to mental health consultants.
The Act also establishes new programs, including a Community Eligibility Pilot Program, Extended Operation Grants, and grants for Head Start agencies partnering with institutions of higher education to support student parents.

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

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