Head Start for America's Children Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Head Start for America’s Children Act aims to improve the Head Start Act by clarifying certain definitions and expanding the program’s scope. Specifically, it focuses on the growth of infants, toddlers, and children, clarifies the term ‘Indian,’ and broadens the definition of ‘developing English proficiency’ for children. The bill also increases funding for Head Start programs and establishes provisions for regional offices, staff training, and collaboration with K-12 education, with a particular emphasis on Native American Head Start programs and supporting children with disabilities.
Key provisions
- Clarifies the definition of ‘children’ in the Head Start Act to include infants, toddlers, and children.
- Expands the definition of ‘Indian’ to include members of Indian tribes and clarifies the definition of ‘Freely Associated States.’
- Increases funding for Head Start programs through fiscal year 2030, with adjustments based on the annual adjustment percentage.
- Establishes a system for regional and program offices of the Office of Head Start to effectively serve Head Start programs.
- Requires Head Start agencies to provide center-based services for more than 1,380 hours per year.
- Expands the criteria for eligibility to include children with disabilities, children who are developing English proficiency, and children from families meeting specific income or assistance criteria.
- Prioritizes Native American Head Start programs and ensures culturally responsive curricula and training.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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17 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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