[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2819 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2819
To amend the Head Start Act to improve the Act.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 16, 2025
Mr. Sanders (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr.
Fetterman, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Markey, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Kim, Mr.
Padilla, Ms. Smith, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Warren, Mr. Welch, Mr. Wyden,
and Mr. Lujan) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Head Start Act to improve the Act.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Head Start for America's Children
Act''.
SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
Section 636 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``children's growth'' and
inserting ``the growth of infants, toddlers, and children'';
and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``children'' and inserting
``infants, toddlers, children,''; and
(B) by inserting ``mental health,'' before
``educational''.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
Section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph relating to ``full calendar year''--
(A) by striking ``means all'' and inserting
``means--
``(A) all'';
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) 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.'';
(2) in the paragraph relating to ``Indian tribe'', by
striking ``The term'' and inserting ``(A) The term `Indian'
means a member of an Indian tribe.
``(B) The term'';
(3) in the paragraph relating to ``State''--
(A) in the first sentence--
(i) by striking ``The term'' and inserting
``(A) The term'';
(ii) by striking ``and the Commonwealth''
and inserting ``the Commonwealth''; and
(iii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``, and each of the Freely Associated
States.'';
(B) by striking the second sentence; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) The term `Freely Associated States' means the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States
of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.'';
(4) in the paragraph relating to ``interrelater
reliability''--
(A) by striking ``means the extent to which 2'' and
inserting ``means the extent to which--
``(A) 2'';
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) such raters or observers are adequately
trained to recognize linguistically and culturally
appropriate practices.'';
(5) by striking the paragraph relating to ``limited English
proficient'';
(6) in the paragraph relating to ``professional
development''--
(A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``as
appropriate'' and inserting ``including supporting
linguistically and culturally responsive learning
outcomes''; and
(B) in subparagraph (G)--
(i) in clause (i), by inserting ``mental
health,'' after ``and development'';
(ii) in clause (iv)(II)--
(I) by redesignating item (bb) as
item (cc); and
(II) by inserting after item (aa)
the following:
``(bb) (for teachers for
Native American Head Start
agencies) the Native American
Child Outcomes Framework
described in section 640(p);'';
and
(iii) in clause (v), by striking ``limited
English proficient children'' and inserting
``children who are developing English
proficiency'';
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(27) The term `annual adjustment percentage', used with
respect to appropriations made under this subchapter for a
fiscal year (referred to in this paragraph as the
`determination fiscal year'), means the estimated percentage
increase (if any), as determined by the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, in the Consumer Price Index For All Urban
Consumers, issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occurring
in the most recent fiscal year ending prior to the beginning of
such determination fiscal year.
``(28) The term `assistive technology' has the meaning
given the term in section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of
1998 (29 U.S.C. 3002).
``(29) The term `Bureau-funded school' has the meaning
given the term in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of
1978 (20 U.S.C. 2021).
``(30) The term `chemical restraint' means a drug or
medication, used on a student to control behavior or restrict
freedom of movement, that is not--
``(A) prescribed by a licensed physician, or other
qualified health professional acting under the scope of
the professional's authority under State law, for the
standard treatment of a student's medical or
psychiatric condition; and
``(B) administered as prescribed by the licensed
physician or other qualified health professional acting
under the scope of the professional's authority under
State law.
``(31) The term `developing English proficiency'--
``(A) used with respect to a child, means a child--
``(i)(I) who was not born in the United
States or whose native language is a language
other than English;
``(II)(aa) who is a Native American or a
native resident of Guam, American Samoa, the
Virgin Islands of the United States, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
or a Freely Associated State; and
``(bb) who comes from an environment where
a language other than English has had a
significant impact on the child's level of
English language proficiency; or
``(III) who is migratory, whose native
language is a language other than English, and
who comes from an environment where a language
other than English is dominant; and
``(ii) whose difficulties in speaking or
understanding the English language may be
sufficient to deny such child--
``(I) the ability to successfully
achieve in a classroom in which the
language of instruction is English; or
``(II) the opportunity to
participate fully in society; and
``(B) used with respect to an adult, means an adult
who is learning English in addition to their native
language.
``(32) The term `mechanical restraint' means any device or
equipment that is used to restrict a student's freedom of
movement.
``(33)(A) The term `Native American' means an Indian or a
Native Hawaiian.
``(B) The term `Native American Head Start agency', used
with respect to a Head Start program (including an Early Head
Start program) means--
``(i) an Indian tribe that operates such a program;
``(ii) a Native Hawaiian Head Start agency that
operates such a program; or
``(iii) an entity that is designated by an Indian
tribe to operate such a program on its behalf.
``(C) The term `Native American language' has the meaning
given the term in section 103 of the Native American Languages
Act (25 U.S.C. 2902).
``(34)(A) The term `Native Hawaiian' has the meaning given
the term in section 6207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 7517).
``(B) The term `Native Hawaiian educational organization'
has the meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Native
Hawaiian Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7517).
``(C) The term `Native Hawaiian Head Start agency' means a
Head Start agency (including an Early Head Start agency)
operated by a Native Hawaiian organization or a Native Hawaiian
educational organization, for the purpose of serving children
and families in a manner that is developmentally,
linguistically, and culturally appropriate for Native
Hawaiians.
``(D) The term `Native Hawaiian language' has the meaning
given the term in section 6207 of the Native Hawaiian Education
Act (20 U.S.C. 7517).
``(E) The term `Native Hawaiian organization' has the
meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Native Hawaiian
Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7517).
``(35) The term `physical restraint' means a personal
restriction that immobilizes a student or reduces the ability
of a student to move the student's torso, arms, legs, or head
freely.
``(36) The term `seclusion' means the involuntary
confinement of a student alone in a room or area from which the
student is physically prevented from leaving, except that such
term does not include a time out.
``(37) The term `universal design for learning' has the
meaning given the term in section 103 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003).''; and
(8) by reordering the paragraphs of that section 637 (as
amended by or added by paragraphs (1) through (7) of this
section) to appear in alphabetical order by the first term
defined in each paragraph of that section 637, and renumbering
such paragraphs as so reordered.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
The Head Start Act is amended by inserting after section 637 (42
U.S.C. 9832) the following:
``SEC. 637A. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated, and
there is appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, to the Secretary to carry out this subchapter (other than
provisions funded under subsection (b))--
``(1) 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.
``(b) Additional Projects.--There are authorized to be
appropriated, and there are appropriated out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to the Secretary--
``(1) for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2030--
``(A) $5,000,000,000 for improving or purchasing
Head Start (including Early Head Start) program
facilities under section 644(g), based on demonstrated
need, in addition to any amounts otherwise available
for activities described in this subparagraph; and
``(B) $91,575,000 to facilitate children's access
to Head Start (including Early Head Start) services
through age-appropriate transportation, including
through the purchase of vehicles under section 644(g),
based on demonstrated need, in addition to any amounts
otherwise available for activities described in this
subparagraph;
``(2) $37,500,000 to fund the Rebuilding the Head Start
Workforce Grant program under section 653(c) for the period of
fiscal years 2026 through 2030;
``(3) $95,000,000 to fund the community eligibility pilot
program under section 657C for the period of fiscal years 2026
through 2030.
``(4) $500,000,000 to fund the Head Start agency and
institutions of higher education partnership activities under
section 657D for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2030;
``(5) $863,000,000 to enable Head Start (including Early
Head Start) agencies to provide center-based services under
this subchapter for more than 1,380 hours (which may include
hours during summer months) during a year, through extended
operation grants under section 657E, based on demonstrated need
for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2030; and
``(6) $1,625,000,000 to fund the Head Start agency and
child care provider partnership activities under section 657F
for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, in addition
to any amounts otherwise available for activities described in
this paragraph.''.
SEC. 5. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 638 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9833) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``The Secretary'';
(2) by striking ``which (1) will'' and inserting the
following: ``which--
``(1) will'';
(3) by striking ``readiness; and (2) will'' and inserting
the following: ``readiness; and
``(2) will''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) The Secretary shall ensure that the financial assistance
provided under subsection (a) sufficiently accounts for the costs
associated with serving children with disabilities.''.
SEC. 6. REGIONAL OFFICES.
The Head Start Act is amended by striking section 639 (42 U.S.C.
9834) and inserting the following:
``SEC. 639. REGIONAL OFFICES FOR THE HEAD START PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall maintain at least 10
regional offices and 2 program offices of the Office of Head Start and
ensure that the officers and employees of those offices effectively and
efficiently serve Head Start programs (including, for purposes of this
section, Early Head Start programs) by--
``(1) scaling up effective technical assistance and
training activities aligned with section 648;
``(2) supporting such programs at the local level and
enabling the programs to comply with requirements, by
establishing meaningful program performance standards under
section 641A(a) and carrying out monitoring activities under
section 641A(c), including standards and monitoring for child
health and safety; and
``(3) improving the quality of programs and services that
best meet the needs of children and families in local
communities, including addressing staff recruitment and
retention challenges.
``(b) Regions and Programs.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) develop proposals for the regions served by regional
offices of the Office of Head Start based on factors that
include considerations concerning the number of Head Start
agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) and eligible
children and families covered by a region, capacity of a
regional office to coordinate services critical to
administration of Head Start programs, and capacity of a
regional office to meet any cultural and linguistic expertise
needs for a region;
``(2) seek public comment on the proposals prior to any
geographic designations of regions for the regional offices;
and
``(3) designate at least 1 program office for Native
American Head Start programs and 1 program office for migrant
and seasonal Head Start programs.
``(c) Adequate Staffing.--The head of each such regional or program
office shall ensure that all Head Start programs served by the region
or program shall have adequate staffing to meet the requirements of
subsection (a).''.
SEC. 7. ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS; LIMITATIONS ON ASSISTANCE.
(a) Allotment.--Section 640(a) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9835(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section 639'' and
inserting ``section 637A(a)'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (ii), by striking ``Indian''
each place it appears and inserting ``Native
American'';
(ii) in clause (iv)--
(I) by striking ``the Republic of
Palau,'';
(II) by inserting ``, and each of
the Freely Associated States'' before
``(for''; and
(III) by adding ``and'' at the end;
(iii) by striking clause (v);
(iv) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause
(v); and
(v) in clause (v), as so redesignated--
(I) by striking ``Indian'' and
inserting ``Native American''; and
(II) by striking ``2007'' and
inserting ``2025'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)(i)--
(i) in the matter preceding subclause (I),
by striking ``section 639'' and inserting
``section 637A(a)'';
(ii) in subclause (I), by striking ``and''
at the end;
(iii) by redesignating subclause (II) as
subclause (III);
(iv) by inserting after subclause (I) the
following:
``(II) the Secretary shall set aside not less than
$40,000,000 for the Head Start Career Advancement
Partnership Program activities under section 648(h);
and''; and
(v) in subclause (III)(cc), as so
redesignated, by striking ``and (g)'' and
inserting ``(g), and (h)''; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the
following:
``(D) The Secretary shall, subject to consultation with Indian
tribes, representatives of Native American Head Start agencies, and
members of Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian communities, reserve not
less than $40,000,000 to fund research, demonstration, and evaluation
activities under section 650, of which not more than $10,000,000 for
each fiscal year shall be available to carry out section 650(k).'';
(D) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as
subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively;
(E) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the
following:
``(F) The Secretary shall reserve at least $6,000,000 to carry out
section 639, concerning the regional offices and program offices of the
Office of Head Start.''; and
(F) in subparagraph (G), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking ``section 639'' and
inserting ``section 637A(a)''; and
(ii) by striking ``through (E)'' and
inserting ``through (F)'';
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) in subclause (I), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(II) in subclause (II)--
(aa) by striking ``Indian''
and inserting ``Native
American''; and
(bb) by adding ``and'' at
the end; and
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(III) make awards to Head Start
agencies (including Early Head Start
agencies) based on demonstrated need,
through reservations for fiscal year
2026, of--
``(aa) $300,000,000 for
conversions of program slots
under subsection (f)(2)(C);
``(bb) $4,404,000,000 for
extended operation under
section 642(j), to enable Head
Start (including Early Head
Start) agencies to provide
center-based services under
this subchapter on a full
calendar year schedule; and
``(cc) $80,000,000 for
mental health support under
section 649;'';
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking subclause (I);
(II) by striking ``clause (i)--''
and all that follows through ``for
fiscal year 2011'' and inserting
``clause (i), for fiscal year 2026'';
(III) by striking ``Indian'' and
inserting ``Native American'';
(IV) by redesignating items (aa)
and (bb) as subclauses (I) and (II) and
aligning the margins of those
subclauses with the margins of
subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i);
and
(V) in subclause (II), as so
redesignated, by striking ``item (aa)''
and inserting ``subclause (I)'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clauses (i) and (ii)(I), by striking
``Indian'' and inserting ``Native American'';
(ii) in clause (i), by striking
``subclauses (I)(aa) and (II)(bb) of clause
(ii), of subparagraph (A)'' and inserting
``clause (ii)(II), of subparagraph (A)'';
(iii) in clause (ii)(I), by striking
``section 639'' and inserting ``section
637A(a)'';
(4) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by striking ``(which
shall remain available through the end of fiscal year
2012)'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``$100,000,000'' each place it appears and inserting
``$200,000,000'';
(C) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by inserting ``,
serving infants and toddlers, and serving children with
disabilities,'' before ``and may consider'';
(D) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``clause
(iv) or (v) of paragraph (2)(B)'' and inserting
``paragraph (2)(B)(iv)'';
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``Indian'' and
inserting ``Native American'';
(II) by striking ``3 percent'' and
inserting ``4.5 percent''; and
(III) by striking ``section
649(k)'' and inserting ``section
650(k)'';
(iii) in clause (iii), by striking
``section 649(l)'' and inserting ``section
650(l)''; and
(iv) in clause (iv)(I)(aa)--
(I) by striking ``the covered
percentage'' and inserting ``55
percent'';
(II) by striking ``that covered
percentage'' and inserting ``that 55
percent''; and
(III) by striking ``the poverty
line'' each place it appears and
inserting ``60 percent of the State's
median income for a family of the same
size''; and
(E) by striking subparagraph (E);
(5) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding
clause (i), by inserting ``(except that an amount of
not less than $3,580,000,000 (referred to in this Act
as the `additional compensation amount') shall be used
for fiscal year 2026 to enable Head Start agencies to
improve that compensation of the personnel, workers,
and counselors as described in section 653)'' before
``in the manner'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
inserting ``, not used under subparagraph
(A),'' after ``remaining funds'';
(ii) in clause (i)--
(I) by striking ``limited English
proficient children'' and inserting
``children who are developing English
proficiency''; and
(II) by inserting ``children with
disabilities,'' after ``farmworker
families,'';
(iii) by striking clause (v) and inserting
the following:
``(v) Ensuring that agencies providing center-based
Early Head Start or Head Start programs establish and
maintain hours of program operation that meet full
calendar year requirements, to the extent required by
section 642(j), including by increasing the number of
weeks of operation in a calendar year.'';
(iv) in clause (vii), by inserting ``and in
an age-appropriate manner to facilitate access
to services'' after ``safely''; and
(v) in clause (viii), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``, consistent
with the requirements of section 653.''; and
(6) in paragraph (7)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``paragraph
(2)(C)(i)(II)(aa)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(2)(C)(i)(III)(aa)'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``cost-of-living'' and
inserting ``cost of living''; and
(ii) by striking ``percentage change'' and
inserting ``percentage increase (if any)''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``the
Federated'' and all that follows and inserting ``or the
Freely Associated States.''.
(b) Federal Share.--Section 640(b)(4) of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9835(b)(4)) is amended by striking ``major disaster'' and
inserting ``major disaster or emergency declared under section 401 or
501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191)''.
(c) Children With Disabilities.--Section 640(d) of the Head Start
Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting ``, in coordination with the
Secretary of Education,'' after ``Secretary shall'';
(B) by inserting ``, subject to such regulations as
the Secretary of Health and Human Services may
prescribe'' after ``assure that''; and
(C) by striking ``2009'' and inserting ``2026'';
and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``special needs of such
children'' and inserting ``needs of such children with
disabilities who are determined to be eligible''.
(d) Locally Designed or Specialized Service Delivery Models.--
Section 640(f) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the Improving Head
Start for School Readiness Act of 2007'' and inserting ``the
Head Start for America's Children Act''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by inserting at the end the following:
``(C) the conversion of Head Start program slots to
Early Head Start program slots and for enabling
programs to meet the needs of families in their
communities through a simple and streamlined process,
such as procedures that relate to enabling the programs
to meet those needs through--
``(i) preparation of staff for teaching,
caring for, and supporting the development of
infants and toddlers, as applicable;
``(ii) planning for changes in facilities
and outdoor space; and
``(iii) staff recruitment, training, and
professional development.''.
(e) Expansion Considerations.--Section 640(g) of the Head Start Act
(42 U.S.C. 9835(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (C)(iv), by inserting ``,
including kinship care'' before the semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``, including
whether the applicant is proposing to operate a program
within a local area with a high percentage of low-
income families'' before the semicolon;
(C) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(D) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) the extent to which the applicant will
provide for or facilitate the provision of age-
appropriate transportation for eligible children,
including transportation for homeless children, to
facilitate their participation in the program; and
``(J) the extent to which the applicant provides to
program staff compensation and benefits that are
adequate to attract and retain qualified staff for
program quality, consistent with the requirements of
section 653.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the poverty line'' and
inserting ``60 percent of the State median income for a family
of the same size''.
(f) Hours of Services.--Section 640(k) of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9835(k)) is amended by striking ``(k)'' and all that follows
through ``The provisions'' and inserting ``(k) The provisions''.
(g) Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs.--Section 640(l) of
the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(l)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``Indian'' and inserting ``Indian (including
Alaska Native) and Native Hawaiian''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``Indian'' and
inserting ``Native American''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting
``Tribal''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and with Native
American Head Start agencies (which may be
Native Hawaiian Head Start agencies)'' before
the semicolon; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and Native
Hawaiian,'' after ``Alaska Native,''.
(h) Curricula Generally.--Section 640(o) of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9835(o)) is amended by inserting ``(except for curricula for
Native American Head Start programs)'' before ``be aligned''.
(i) Curricula and Instructional Materials for Native American Head
Start Programs.--Section 640 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(p)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (o), the Secretary shall
consult with Indian tribes, representatives of Native American Head
Start agencies, and members of Indian and Native Hawaiian communities
to determine appropriate curricula and instructional materials that--
``(A) preserve the languages and cultures of Indian tribes
and Native Hawaiian communities, as the case may be;
``(B) align with a Native American Child Outcomes
Framework, which shall be developed through consultation with
Tribal governments and Native American Head Start agencies and
shall include goals concerning Native American languages and
linguistically and culturally responsive teaching and learning
methods; and
``(C) provide for instruction in a Native American language
and support linguistically and culturally responsive education
and learning.
``(2) Used with respect to a Native American Head Start (including
an Early Head Start) program, a reference in this subchapter to the
Head Start Child Outcomes Framework shall be considered to be a
reference to the Native American Child Outcomes Framework.''.
SEC. 8. DESIGNATION OF HEAD START AGENCIES.
(a) System for Designation Renewal.--Section 641(c) of the Head
Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9836(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (7)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by striking
``Indian'' and inserting ``Native American''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting
``Tribal'';
(ii) by inserting ``, or consultation with
a Native Hawaiian organization or a Native
Hawaiian educational organization and shall
engage in consultation with a representative of
the Native American Head Start agency,'' before
``for the purpose''; and
(iii) by striking ``Indian'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Native American''; and
(2) in paragraph (10), by striking ``and Labor'' each place
it appears and inserting ``and Workforce''.
(b) Designation When No Entity Is Renewed.--Section 641(d)(2) of
the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9836(d)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``mental health,''
before ``educational,'';
(2) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``linguistically,
culturally, and'' before ``developmentally'' each place it
appears;
(3) in subparagraph (H)--
(A) in clause (v), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vii);
and
(C) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
``(vi) entities supporting the mental
health and well-being of children;'';
(4) in subparagraph (J)--
(A) in clause (iii)--
(i) in subclause (I), by striking ``; and''
and inserting ``, including, in the case of
Native American Head Start programs (including
Early Head Start programs), services promoting
literacy in Native American languages;'';
(ii) in subclause (II), by inserting
``and'' at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(III) mental health resources;'';
(B) in clause (v)(II), by inserting ``, including,
in the case of Native American Head Start programs
(including Early Head Start programs), services
promoting literacy and communication in Native American
languages'' before the semicolon; and
(5) in subparagraph (K)--
(A) by striking ``limited English proficient
children'' and ``children who are developing English
proficiency''; and
(B) by inserting ``or Native American'' after
``English''.
(c) Prohibition.--Section 641(e) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9836(e)) is amended--
(1) by striking the subsection heading and inserting the
following:
``(e) Prohibition Against Non-Native American Head Start Agency
Receiving a Grant for a Native American Head Start Program.--'';
(2) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``non-Indian'' and inserting ``non-
Native American''; and
(B) by striking ``an Indian'' and inserting ``a
Native American''; and
(3) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``no Indian'' and inserting ``no
Native American'';
(B) by striking ``an Indian'' each place it appears
and inserting ``a Native American''; and
(C) by striking ``a non-Indian'' and inserting ``a
non-Native American''.
(d) Community.--Section 641(h) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9836(h)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting ``Tribal''; and
(2) by inserting ``an area served by a Native Hawaiian
organization or Native Hawaiian educational organization,''
before ``or a neighborhood''.
SEC. 9. STANDARDS AND MONITORING.
(a) Standards.--Section 641A(a) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9836a(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``mental
health,'' before ``parental involvement,'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (ix), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in clause (x)--
(I) by striking ``limited English
proficient children'' and inserting
``children who are developing English
proficiency''; and
(II) by adding ``and'' at the end;
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(xi) abilities related to Native American
languages and cultures, in the case of a Head
Start program (which may be an Early Head Start
program) operated by a Native American Head
Start agency, if the Native American Head Start
agency elects to focus on the preservation and
revitalization of Native American languages and
cultures in accordance with the Native American
Child Outcomes Framework;''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``services
for children with disabilities,'' before
``administration,'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``the
Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act
of 2007'' and inserting ``the Head Start for
America's Children Act'';
(ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``section
649(j)'' and inserting ``section 650(j)'';
(iii) in clause (vi), by inserting ``and
mental health'' before ``services and
physical'';
(iv) in clause (ix), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(v) in clause (x), by adding ``and'' at the
end; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following:
``(xi) standards and guidelines related to
Native American languages and cultures, in the
case of a Head Start program (which may be an
Early Head Start program) operated by a Native
American Head Start agency, if the Native
American Head Start agency elects to focus on
the preservation and revitalization of Native
American languages and cultures in accordance
with the Native American Child Outcomes
Framework;'';
(C) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking ``the
Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007''
and inserting ``the Head Start for America's Children
Act''; and
(D) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by striking ``consult with'' and
inserting ``generally defer to'';
(ii) by inserting ``or Native Hawaiian
organizations or Native Hawaiian educational
organizations,'' before ``experts'';
(iii) by inserting ``and Native Hawaiian,''
before ``early childhood education''; and
(iv) by inserting ``and revitalization,
cultural preservation,'' after ``language
acquisition''.
(b) Measures.--Section 641A(b) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9836a(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D)
as clauses (i) through (iv) and aligning the margins of
those clauses with the margins of the clauses in
paragraph (5)(A) of that section;
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i), as so
redesignated, by striking ``The Secretary, in
consultation'' and inserting ``The Secretary shall--
``(A) in consultation'';
(C) in subparagraph (A), as so designated--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``shall'';
(ii) in clause (ii), as so redesignated, by
striking ``special needs'' and inserting
``disabilities''; and
(iii) in clause (iv), as so redesignated,
by striking the period and inserting ``; and'';
and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) in consultation with Indian tribes,
representatives of Native American Head Start agencies,
and members of Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian
communities, use relevant research and practices to
inform, revise, and provide guidance to Native American
Head Start agencies to support--
``(i) classroom instructional practices,
including incorporating the use of universal
design for learning;
``(ii) community engagement;
``(iii) program evaluation;
``(iv) preservation and revitalization of
Native American languages and cultures; and
``(v) compliance by such an agency with
performance standards under subsection (a) if a
corresponding Tribal government integrates
funding for Head Start, including Early Head
Start, programs under the authorities provided
in the Indian Employment, Training and Related
Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C.
3401 et seq.), and maintenance of annual
funding under this subchapter as a result of
that compliance.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and (H) as
subparagraphs (H) and (I), respectively;
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the
following:
``(F) include the provision of appropriate services
and accommodations, and auxiliary aids and other
assistive technology, for children with disabilities;
``(G) include the provision of appropriate
accommodations for children who are developing English
proficiency;''; and
(3) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking clause (iii) and
inserting the following:
``(iii) identifying the individualized
needs of children with disabilities; and''.
(c) Monitoring.--Section 641A(c)(2) of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9836a(c)(2)) is amended, in paragraphs (A)(i)(II) and (C), by
striking ``limited English proficient children'' and inserting
``children who are developing English proficiency''.
(d) Reductions and Redistributions.--Section 641A(h) of the Head
Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9836a(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(B)(iv), by inserting ``and full
calendar year'' after ``full-working-day''; and
(2) in paragraph (6)(A)(i)--
(A) by striking the clause heading and inserting
the following:
``(i) Native american head start
programs.--''; and
(B) by striking ``Indian'' each place it appears
and inserting ``Native American''.
SEC. 10. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS.
(a) Authority.--Section 642(b) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9837(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) continuous programming to support the health,
mental health, and well-being of adults and children;
and'';
(2) in paragraph (6), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``At'' and all that follows through ``offer''
and inserting ``Annually offer'';
(3) in paragraph (11), by striking ``limited English
proficient children'' and inserting ``children who are
developing English proficiency'';
(4) by redesignating paragraph (16) as paragraph (17); and
(5) by inserting after paragraph (15) the following:
``(16) Establish effective procedures for identifying
children with disabilities who are eligible for reasonable
accommodations under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), and informing parents of such children
about their rights and the reasonable accommodations, necessary
to help promote the school readiness of such children, that are
available through its program.''.
(b) Collaboration and Coordination.--Section 642(e) of the Head
Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9837(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``the program under
title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et
seq.),'' before ``programs under subtitle B''; and
(2) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``the Improving Head Start for School
Readiness Act of 2007'' and inserting ``the Head Start
for America's Children Act''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(i) in subclause (IX), by striking ``and''
at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subclause (X) as
subclause (XI); and
(iii) by inserting after subclause (IX) the
following:
``(X) services provided to children
with disabilities under section 619 and
part C of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.
1419, 1431 et seq.); and''.
(c) Quality Standards, Curricula, and Assessment.--Section 642(f)
of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9837(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the
end; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) incorporate the principles of universal
design for learning;'';
(2) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) in paragraph (10)--
(A) by striking ``children who are limited English
proficient'' and inserting ``children who are
developing English proficiency''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) develop procedures for identifying children with
disabilities who are eligible for reasonable accommodations
under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
794), and informing parents of such children about their rights
and the reasonable accommodations, necessary to help promote
the school readiness of such children, that are available
through its program.''.
(d) Extended Operation.--Section 642 of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9837) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Extended Operation.--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, by September 30, 2027, each Head Start agency
(including, for purposes of this subsection, an Early Head
Start agency) providing center-based services under this
subchapter shall provide the services on a full calendar year
schedule.
``(2) Exemption.--The Secretary may exempt such an agency
from operating fewer hours than the hours in a full calendar
year schedule only if the Secretary finds reasonable evidence
that operation on such a schedule--
``(A) would cause significant reductions in
enrollment in slots; and
``(B) does not meet the needs of eligible children
and families in the area served, and the agency
operates a program that meets those needs, which may
include a locally designed option to meet the
developmental needs of children as demonstrated through
a regularly conducted community needs assessment.
``(3) Exception.--Migrant and seasonal Head Start agencies
and Native American Head Start agencies are exempt from
paragraph (1).''.
SEC. 11. HEAD START TRANSITION AND ALIGNMENT WITH K-12 EDUCATION.
Section 642A(a) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9837a(a)) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
``(or a Bureau-funded school in the case of children who will
attend such school)'' after ``local educational agency'';
(2) in paragraphs (3), (5), and (10), by inserting ``(or
such Bureau-funded school)'' after ``local educational
agency'';
(3) in paragraphs (7) and (8), by striking ``limited
English proficient children'' each place it appears and
inserting ``children who are developing English proficiency'';
(4) in paragraph (13), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(5) in paragraph (14), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(15) coordinating activities and collaborating with a
coordinator for a full-service community school (which term
shall have, for purposes of this paragraph, the meaning given
the term in section 4622 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7272)) to facilitate the transition
for children served by a Head Start agency (which may be an
Early Head Start program) into a full-service community school,
if such school is located within the agency's service area.''.
SEC. 12. HEAD START COLLABORATION.
Section 642B of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9837b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section
640(a)(2)(B)(vi)'' and inserting ``section
640(a)(2)(B)(v)'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``Indian'' and
inserting ``Native American''; and
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking
``limited English proficient children'' and
inserting ``children who are developing English
proficiency'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``,
Tribal,'' after ``State''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (D)--
(I) by inserting ``and Bureau-
funded schools,'' after ``local
educational agencies,''; and
(II) by striking ``at both the
State'' and inserting ``at State,
Tribal''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(vi), by striking ``Indian'' and
inserting ``Native American''.
SEC. 13. SUBMISSION OF PLANS TO GOVERNORS.
Section 643 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9838) is amended, in
the last sentence, by striking ``Indian'' and inserting ``Native
American''.
SEC. 14. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS.
Section 644 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9839) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting after
``facility'' the following: ``, and a certification
that the facility is in compliance with title III of
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12181 et seq.)''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``, Native Hawaiian
organizations, or Native Hawaiian educational
organizations'' after ``tribes'' each place it
appears; and
(ii) by inserting ``Native American''
before ``Head Start'';
(2) in subsection (g)(1), in the first sentence by striking
``tribes,'' and inserting ``tribes, Native Hawaiian Head Start
agencies and communities,''; and
(3) in subsection (h)--
(A) by striking ``American Indian'' and inserting
``Native American''; and
(B) by striking ``members of an Indian tribe'' and
inserting ``Native Americans''.
SEC. 15. PARTICIPATION IN HEAD START PROGRAM.
(a) Designation Correction.--Section 645 of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9840) is amended by striking ``(a)'' the first place it appears
and all that follows through ``The Secretary'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``(a)(1)(A) The Secretary''.
(b) Eligibility.--Subsection (a), as so designated, of section 645
of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840) is amended, in paragraph
(1)(B)--
(1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2) and subsections
(d)(1) and (e)'';
(2) in clause (i), by striking ``if'' the first place it
appears and all that follows and inserting ``if--
``(I) 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;'';
(3) in clause (ii)--
(A) by striking ``homeless'';
(B) by striking ``participation;'' and inserting
``participation if the children are--''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) homeless children;
``(II) children in foster care, in kinship care, or
who experienced child abuse or neglect as defined under
section 3 of the Child Abuse and Prevention and
Treatment Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 5101 note);
``(III) children who are eligible for (whether or
not they are receiving)--
``(aa) benefits under title XVI of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.);
``(bb) assistance under part A of title IV
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.);
``(cc) supplemental nutrition assistance
program benefits under the Food and Nutrition
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);
``(dd) assistance under a nutrition
assistance program under section 19 of the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2028) or a
commodity distribution program for Indians
under section 4(a) of the Agriculture and
Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c
note);
``(ee) assistance under section 17 of the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786);
or
``(ff) assistance under section 8 of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
1437f);
``(IV) children with disabilities;
``(V) children of current (as of the date of the
determination of eligibility) staff of a Head Start
agency (which may be an Early Head Start agency); and
``(VI) children who are part of another vulnerable
group that would benefit from Head Start services
(which may be Early Head Start services), as such group
is approved by the Secretary;'';
(4) in clause (iii)--
(A) in subclause (II), by striking ``from'' and all
that follows through ``if--'';
(B) by striking ``may include--'' and all that
follows through ``to a reasonable'' and inserting ``may
include, to a reasonable'';
(C) by striking ``(ii); and'' and inserting ``(ii),
if--'';
(D) by redesignating items (aa) and (bb) as
subclauses (I) and (II), respectively, and aligning the
margins of the subclauses with the margins of subclause
(I) of clause (iv);
(E) in subclause (I), as so designated, by striking
``(or subclause (I) if the child involved has a
disability)''; and
(F) in subclauses (I) and (II), as so designated,
by striking ``this subclause'' and inserting ``this
clause'';
(5) in clause (iv)--
(A) by striking ``clause (iii)(II)'' each place it
appears and inserting ``clause (iii)'';
(B) in subclause (II), by striking ``(or clause
(iii)(I) if the child involved has a disability)''; and
(C) in subclause (VI), by striking ``clause
(iii)(I),'';
(6) in clause (v)--
(A) by inserting ``(which may be an Early Head
Start program)'' after ``a Head Start program''; and
(B) by striking ``through'' and all that follows
and inserting ``until kindergarten entry.''.
(c) Native American Selection Criteria.--Section 645(d) of the Head
Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``An Indian tribe'' and
all that follows and inserting the following: ``An Indian
tribe, Native Hawaiian organization, or Native Hawaiian
educational organization that operates a Head Start program
(which may be an Early Head Start program) may, at its
discretion, establish selection criteria, including criteria to
prioritize children in families in which a child or a family
member is a member of an Indian tribe or is a Native Hawaiian,
or in households in which a household member is a member of an
Indian tribe or is a Native Hawaiian, to enroll Native American
children who would most benefit from such program, but who are
not eligible under clause (i) or (ii) of subsection
(a)(1)(B).'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``, Native Hawaiian organization,
or Native Hawaiian educational organization'' after
``Indian tribe''; and
(B) by inserting ``, Native Hawaiian organizations,
and Native Hawaiian educational organizations'' after
``Indian tribes''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or tribes'' each place
it appears and inserting ``, Native Hawaiian organization, or
Native Hawaiian educational organization''.
(d) Migrant or Seasonal Selection Criteria.--Section 645 of the
Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(e) Subject to section 640(l) and the description of families in
the definition of `migrant or seasonal Head Start program' in section
637, an agency that operates a migrant or seasonal Head Start program
(which may be an Early Head Start program) may, at its discretion,
establish selection criteria to enroll children of migrant or seasonal
farmworker families who would most benefit from such program but who
are not eligible under clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (a)(1)(B),
giving priority to children of migrant farmworker families described in
subparagraph (A) of the paragraph establishing that definition in
section 637. The selection criteria shall limit that enrollment to
children who have at least 1 family member whose income comes primarily
from agricultural employment as defined in section 3 of the Migrant and
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1802).''.
SEC. 16. EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS.
(a) Cognitive Development.--Section 645A(b)(1) of the Head Start
Act (42 U.S.C. 9840a(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``intellectual'' and
inserting ``cognitive''.
(b) Eligible Service Providers.--Section 645A(d) of the Head Start
Act (42 U.S.C. 9840a(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Indian'' and inserting
``Native American''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``partnerships and''
after ``including''.
(c) Selection.--Section 645A(e) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9840a(e)) is amended by striking ``under this section'' and all that
follows and inserting ``under this section--
``(1) on a competitive basis to applicants meeting the
criteria specified in subsection (d); and
``(2) giving priority to--
``(A) entities that have a record of providing
early, continuous, and comprehensive childhood
development and family services; or
``(B) entities that are operating a Head Start
program.''.
(d) Training and Technical Assistance.--Section 645A(g)(2)(B)(i) of
the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840a(g)(2)(B)(i)) is amended by striking
``section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(bb)'' and inserting ``section
640(a)(2)(C)(i)(III)(bb)''.
(e) Center-Based Staff.--Section 645A(h) of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9840a(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, not later than
September 30, 2010,''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``not later than
September 30, 2010,''.
(f) Staff Qualifications.--Section 645A(i)(2) of the Head Start Act
(42 U.S.C. 9840a(i)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``children who are
limited English proficient'' and inserting ``children who are
developing English proficiency'';
(2) in subparagraph (E)--
(A) by inserting ``, mental health,'' after ``what
health'';
(B) by striking ``by offering'' and inserting
``by--
``(i) offering'';
(C) in clause (i), as so designated, by adding
``and'' at the end; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) ensuring that all children receiving
such a home visit receive adequate screening
and appropriate follow-up for, and families
receive referrals to access services for,
potential social, emotional, behavioral, or
other mental health concerns;''; and
(3) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ``, mental health,''
after ``health''.
SEC. 17. APPEALS, NOTICE, AND HEARING.
Section 646(e)(1) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9841(e)(1)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Indian tribe'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Indian tribe, Native Hawaiian organization, or
Native Hawaiian educational organization'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``the tribe'' the
first place it appears and inserting ``the Indian tribe, Native
Hawaiian organization, or Native Hawaiian educational
organization''; and
(3) except as described in paragraph (2) of this section,
by striking ``the tribe'' each place it appears and inserting
``the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian community involved''.
SEC. 18. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.
Section 648 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (iii), by striking ``staff
(including instruction'' and inserting the
following: ``staff, including--
``(I) instruction''; and
(ii) by striking ``families, including
training'' and inserting the following:
``families; and
``(II) training''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (x)(II)--
(I) by striking ``limited English
proficient children'' and inserting
``children who are developing English
proficiency''; and
(II) by striking ``limited English
proficient individuals'' and inserting
``individuals who are developing
English proficiency'';
(ii) by redesignating clauses (xii) through
(xvi) as clauses (xiv) through (xviii),
respectively;
(iii) by inserting after clause (xi) the
following:
``(xii) assist Head Start agencies and
programs to--
``(I) increase the utilization of
evidence-based systemic approaches to
positive behavioral interventions and
supports in Head Start programs;
``(II) prevent seclusion,
mechanical restraint, and chemical
restraint, and prevent and reduce
physical restraint, in Head Start
programs; and
``(III) collect data needed to
carry out the evaluation under section
650(n);
``(xiii) assist Head Start agencies in the
development of policies and procedures to
promote the coordination and timely and
appropriate delivery of services, and payment
or reimbursement of such services, under title
XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1396);''; and
(iv) in clause (xvii), as so redesignated--
(I) by striking ``assist Indian''
and inserting ``assist Native
American''; and
(II) by inserting ``, Alaska
Native, and Native Hawaiian'' after
``of Indian'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(cc)'' and
inserting ``section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(III)(cc)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``limited
English proficient children'' and inserting ``children
who are developing English proficiency'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(aa)'' and
inserting ``section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(III)(aa)'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``children and families who are limited English
proficient'' and inserting ``children and
family members who are developing English
proficiency'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (I) as
subparagraph (K); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (H)
the following:
``(I) Activities to provide training necessary to
implement evidence-based systemic approaches to
positive behavioral interventions and supports,
including technical assistance for data-driven
decision-making related to behavioral supports and
interventions.
``(J) Activities to improve the implementation and
evaluation of strategies and procedures to prevent
seclusion, mechanical restraint, and chemical
restraint, and prevent and reduce physical restraint,
in Head Start programs.''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
``and, as appropriate, Native American
languages'' before the semicolon at the end;
and
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking
``children who are limited English proficient''
and inserting ``children who are developing
English proficiency'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking ``Indian'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``Native American'';
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(bb)'' and
inserting ``section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(III)(bb)'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``section
640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(bb)'' and inserting ``section
640(a)(2)(C)(i)(III)(bb)''; and
(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and Labor'' and
inserting ``and Workforce'';
(5) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h);
(6) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
``(g) Disability-Related Services.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) coordinate with the Secretary of Education and other
experts, as appropriate, on the services and supports provided
to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities under
section 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.) and section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794); and
``(2) provide training and technical assistance to Head
Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) to improve
its coordination and collaboration as required under
subparagraphs (H)(ii) and (N) of section 641(d)(2) and sections
642(e)(3), 642B(a)(2)(B)(iv), and 645A(b)(11).''; and
(7) in subsection (h), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``Hispanic-serving
institutions, and Tribal Colleges and
Universities'' and inserting ``, Tribal
Colleges and Universities, and other minority-
serving institutions, including Hispanic-
serving institutions'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and
costs related to tuition, fees, and books'' and
inserting ``, the cost of attendance of the
education programs, and other costs associated
with in-service learning'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) in clause (ii), by striking
``children with limited English
proficiency'' and inserting ``children
who are developing English
proficiency'';
(II) in clause (iii)--
(aa) by inserting ``,
Alaska Native, and Native
Hawaiian'' after ``Indian'';
and
(bb) by striking ``tribal
culture and language'' and
inserting ``Tribal culture and
Native American languages'';
and
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(iv) in the case of other minority-
serving institutions, to help Head Start agency
staff develop skills and expertise needed to
teach in programs serving large numbers of
Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and
Asian American and Pacific Islander children,
including programs to develop the linguistic
skills and expertise needed to teach in
programs serving a large number of children who
are developing English proficiency;'';
(iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking
``Hispanic-serving institutions, or Tribal
Colleges and Universities'' and inserting ``,
Tribal Colleges and Universities, or other
minority-serving institutions, including
Hispanic-serving institutions'';
(v) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and
(F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively;
(vi) by inserting after subparagraph (D)
the following:
``(E) to provide supportive services, such as
transportation, child care, dependent care, assistive
technology, and food assistance, that are necessary to
enable an individual to participate in activities
authorized under this subsection;'';
(vii) in subparagraph (F), as so
redesignated--
(I) by striking ``technology
literacy programs for Indian'' and
inserting ``digital literacy programs
for Native American''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' after
semicolon;
(viii) in subparagraph (G), as so
redesignated, by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(ix) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) to provide opportunities for participants to
practice and develop teaching that integrate knowledge
from education through classroom-based, paid clinical
experiences in which candidates may teach or lead
alongside an expert mentor teacher.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``under this section.'' and inserting ``and
other minority-serving institutions, including
Native American-serving nontribal institutions,
Alaska Native-serving institutions, and Native
Hawaiian-serving institutions under this
section;''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) provide appropriate technical assistance to
communities interested in establishing campus-based
Head Start services at institutions of higher
education, including analysis of the economic
circumstances of the college education population in
the community and potential partnership models that may
be appropriate for the community; and
``(D) provide technical assistance to institutions
receiving grants under this subsection on the ability
to leverage existing Federal and State funds, such as--
``(i) State prekindergarten funding;
``(ii) dedicated State funding for infant
and toddler care; and
``(iii) the Child Care Access Means Parents
in School program under section 419N of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1070e).'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``Hispanic-serving
institution, or Tribal College or University
desiring'' and inserting ``Tribal College or
University, or other minority-serving
institution, including a Hispanic-serving
institution, desiring''; and
(ii) by striking ``Hispanic-serving
institutions, or Tribal Colleges and
Universities'' and inserting ``Tribal Colleges
and Universities, or other minority-serving
institutions, including Hispanic-serving
institutions'';
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as
paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively;
(E) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Award basis.--In making awards under this subsection,
the Secretary--
``(A) shall consult with the Secretary of
Education; and
``(B) to the extent practicable based on the
applications received, shall distribute the grant funds
available under this subsection proportionately among
institutions designated as historically Black colleges
and universities, as Tribal Colleges and Universities,
and as other minority-serving institutions, based on
the number of institutions designated in each such
category in all States, as compared to the total number
of designated institutions in all such categories in
all States.'';
(F) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A),
(B), and (C) as subparagraphs (C), (D), and
(H), respectively;
(ii) by inserting before subparagraph (C),
as so redesignated, the following:
``(A) The term `Alaska Native-serving institution'
has the meaning given such term in section 317(b) of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)).
``(B) The term `cost of attendance' has the meaning
given the term in section 472 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 108711).''; and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (D),
as so redesignated, the following:
``(E) The term `minority-serving institution' means
an institution described in any of paragraphs (1)
through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
``(F) The term `Native American-serving nontribal
institution' has the meaning given such term in section
371(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1067q(c)).
``(G) The term `Native Hawaiian-serving
institution' has the meaning given such term in section
317(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1059d(b)).''; and
(G) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by
striking ``or shall repay such assistance'' and
inserting ``, but shall not be required to repay such
assistance if the teaching requirement is not met''.
SEC. 19. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 648A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``development of
children'' and inserting ``development
of all children by applying the
principles of universal design for
learning''; and
(II) by striking ``readiness of
children'' and inserting ``readiness of
children, including infants and
toddlers as applicable,'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``children; and'' and inserting ``children,
including, as applicable, infants and
toddlers;'';
(iii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (E); and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (C)
the following:
``(D) providing linguistically and culturally
appropriate instruction; and'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``all''; and
(II) in clause (i)--
(aa) in the matter
preceding subclause (I), by
inserting ``all'' before ``Head
Start education coordinators'';
and
(bb) in subclause (I), by
inserting ``, including
linguistically and culturally
appropriate instruction and
curricula'' before the
semicolon; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C)(i)(II), by
striking ``and Labor'' and inserting ``and
Workforce'';
(C) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, including
linguistically and culturally appropriate
instruction,'' after ``classroom instruction'';
(D) in paragraph (6), by striking ``shall--'' and
all that follows through ``degree.'' and inserting the
following: ``shall teach or work in a Head Start
program for a minimum of 3 years after receiving the
degree, but shall not be required to repay such
assistance if the teaching requirement is not met.'';
and
(E) in paragraph (7)--
(i) by striking ``or 102''; and
(ii) by striking ``, 1002'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``to support
linguistically and culturally appropriate instruction,'' after
``education services,'';
(3) in subsection (c)(5), by striking ``(including
populations of limited English proficient children)'' and
inserting ``, including populations of children who are
developing English proficiency and children with
disabilities''; and
(4) in subsection (g), by striking ``tribal'' each place
the term appears and inserting ``Tribal''.
SEC. 20. MENTAL HEALTH.
The Head Start Act is amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 649 and 650 (42 U.S.C. 9844
and 9846) as sections 650 and 651, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after section 648A the following:
``SEC. 649. MENTAL HEALTH.
``(a) References.--In this section, a reference to a Head Start
program includes an Early Head Start program and a reference to a Head
Start agency includes an Early Head Start agency.
``(b) In General.--The Secretary, in coordination with the
Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, shall ensure
each Head Start agency supports the mental health and well-being of the
staff of, and parents and children served by, the Head Start program of
the agency.
``(c) Requirements.--In order to carry out subsection (b), each
Head Start agency shall--
``(1) support adult mental health and well-being, including
engaging families in responsive relationships, in home visiting
services, and promoting staff health and wellness;
``(2) encourage positive learning environments for all
children, particularly children with disabilities, children who
are developing English proficiency, and infants and toddlers;
``(3) 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;
``(4) facilitate access to a mental health consultant that
is trained on evidence-based strategies to prevent, identify,
and support children with mental health and social and
emotional concerns;
``(5) ensure all lead teachers receive training on infant
and early childhood mental health;
``(6) promote multitiered systems of support, such as
positive behavioral interventions and supports and trauma-
informed care; and
``(7) support staff wellness breaks that--
``(A) considers the number of hours in a shift and
the availability of qualified teaching staff;
``(B) ensures the safety of children; and
``(C) as applicable, complies with State laws or
regulations that are more restrictive.
``(d) Community Partnerships.--A Head Start agency may establish a
partnership with community-based services and resource personnel, such
as behavior coaches, psychologists, and other appropriate specialists,
to facilitate access to additional mental health resources and services
as needed under this section.
``(e) Applicability; Exception.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
requirements of this section shall apply to all Head Start
agencies, and all Head Start programs, receiving assistance
under this subchapter.
``(2) Exception.--
``(A) Native american head start agencies.--Except
as provided in subparagraph (B), this section shall not
apply to Head Start programs operated by Native
American Head Start agencies.
``(B) Supporting culturally responsive mental
health and well-being.--A Native American Head Start
agency receiving assistance under this subchapter
shall, working with members of Indian, Alaska Native,
and Native Hawaiian communities (as applicable),
establish practices that--
``(i) support the mental health and well-
being of Head Start staff and children served
by the Native American Head Start program; and
``(ii) are linguistically and culturally
responsive and appropriate.''.
SEC. 21. RESEARCH, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND EVALUATION.
Section 650 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9844), as so
redesignated, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting ``in consultation
with the advisory panel established under subsection (g)(1)''
before the period at the end;
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``public or private
entities'' and inserting ``other offices of the Department of
Health and Human Services, such as the Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, or public or private
entities, such as the Institute of Education Sciences'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D);
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(II) by striking ``programs and
individuals'' and inserting the
following: ``programs;
``(C) individuals'';
(iii) in subparagraph (D), as so
redesignated--
(I) by striking the semicolon at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(II) by striking ``other Federal
agencies, and individuals'' and
inserting the following: ``other
offices of the Department of Health and
Human Services, such as the Office of
the Assistant Secretary for Planning
and Evaluation, and other Federal
agencies, such as the Institute of
Education Sciences;
``(E) individuals''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) Indian Tribes and representatives from Native
American Head Start agencies;''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``and
particularly minority-serving institutions, as defined
in section 648(h)(5)'' after ``Higher Education Act of
1965'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (6), by inserting ``, including
models to simulate a control group'' before the
semicolon at the end;
(B) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(C) in paragraph (10)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``which include'' and all that follows through
the semicolon and inserting ``on both children
with disabilities and children without
disabilities;''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) examine outreach, enrollment, and retention of
eligible families in Head Start programs, including between
Early Head Start and Head Start programs;
``(12) examine the processes through which Head Start
programs respond to the needs of families and provide family
support services; and
``(13) assess the drivers of workforce retention and
turnover in early care and education, as it relates to teacher
preparation, wages, benefits, and mental health supports.'';
(5) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``of the
Coats Human Services Reauthorization Act of
1998'' and inserting ``of the Head Start for
America's Children Act''; and
(ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``to
comment, if the panel so desires, on'' and
inserting ``to make recommendations for future
research based on'';
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(iii)(II), by
striking ``enriches the lives of children and
families participating in Head Start programs''
and inserting ``improves child and family
health, well-being, and engagement of children
in the Head Start programs and subsequent
educational programming'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``on the date the
participants leave Head Start programs,
at the end of kindergarten and at the
end of first grade (whether in public
or private school),''; and
(II) by striking ``absenteeism;''
and inserting the following:
``absenteeism--
``(i) on the date the participants leave
the Head Start program;
``(ii) at the end of kindergarten;
``(iii) at the end of first grade; and
``(iv) during later academic years, which
shall examine long-term academic performance,
as appropriate;'';
(iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (C)
and (D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E),
respectively;
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (B)
the following:
``(C) as applicable, examines the impact of
continued participation for children enrolled in both
Early Head Start and Head Start programs;''; and
(v) in subparagraph (E), as so
redesignated--
(I) in the matter preceding clause
(i), by inserting ``and models to
simulate control groups'' after
``comparison groups''; and
(II) in clause (i), by striking
``day care'' and inserting ``child
care'';
(C) in paragraph (6)--
(i) in subparagraph (F)--
(I) by inserting ``with respect to
Head Start programs'' before ``the
number'';
(II) by striking ``program (such as
whether'' and inserting the following:
``program, such as--
``(i) whether'';
(III) by striking ``a full-working-
day, full calendar year program,'' and
inserting ``a full-working-day program,
a full calendar year program,'';
(IV) by striking ``); and'' and
inserting ``; and''; and
(V) by adding at the end the
following:
``(ii) increased operational service hours;
and''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ``,
and disaggregated by race, ethnicity, sex,
disability status, age, and status as a child
developing English proficiency'' after
``characteristics''; and
(D) in paragraph (7)(C)--
(i) by striking ``September 30, 2009'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2027''; and
(ii) by striking ``and Labor'' and
inserting ``and Workforce'';
(6) in subsection (h)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Limited English Proficient Children'' and inserting
``Children Who Are Developing English Proficiency'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``Improving Head Start for
School Readiness Act of 2007'' and inserting
``Head Start for America's Children Act''; and
(ii) by striking ``limited English
proficient children'' and inserting ``children
who are developing English proficiency'';
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A)--
(I) by striking ``September 30,
2010'' and inserting September 30,
2028; and
(II) by striking ``and Labor'' and
inserting ``and Workforce'';
(ii) in each of subparagraphs (A) and (B),
by striking ``limited English proficient
children'' and inserting ``children who are
developing English proficiency'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``limited English proficient children'' each
place the term appears and inserting ``children
who are developing English proficiency'';
(iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking
``limited English proficient children'' and
inserting ``children who are developing English
proficiency'';
(v) in subparagraph (F), by striking
``limited English proficient children'' each
place the term appears and inserting ``children
who are developing English proficiency''; and
(vi) in subparagraph (G), by striking
``limited English proficient children'' and
inserting ``children who are developing English
proficiency'';
(7) in subsection (i), by striking ``limited English
proficient children'' and inserting ``children who are
developing English proficiency'';
(8) in subsection (j), by striking ``limited English
proficient'' each place the term appears and inserting
``developing English proficiency'';
(9) in subsection (k)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Indian'' and inserting ``Native American'';
(B) by striking ``Indian Head Start programs'' each
place the term appears and inserting ``Native American
Head Start programs'';
(C) by striking ``American Indian and Alaska
Native'' each place the term appears and inserting
``Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian'';
(D) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``Indian Head Start
collaboration director,'' and inserting
``Native American Head Start collaboration
director, the Native American Head Start
Advisory Committee established under paragraph
(3),'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``focus on issues''
and inserting the following: ``focus--
``(i) on issues'';
(II) by inserting ``linguistically
and culturally'' before
``appropriate'';
(III) by striking ``Children;'' and
inserting ``children; and''; and
(IV) by adding at the end the
following:
``(ii) the implementation and effects of
Native American Head Start programs, which
shall include consultation with Indian Tribes,
representatives of Native American Head Start
agencies, and members of Indian tribes and
Native Hawaiian communities;''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (E)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking
``American Indians and Alaska Natives''
and inserting ``Indians, Alaska
Natives, and Native Hawaiians''; and
(II) in clause (ii), by striking
``tribal'' and inserting ``Tribal'';
(E) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as
paragraphs (4) through (7), respectively;
(F) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3)(A) establish an independent panel (to be known as the
`Native American Head Start Advisory Committee'), which--
``(i) shall consist of representatives appointed by
the Secretary from Native American Head Start programs,
families served by Native American Head Start programs,
and other appropriate entities, including Tribal
governments, to review, and make recommendations on,
the design and plan for the research carried out under
paragraph (1); and
``(ii) shall not be subject to section 1013 of
title 5, United States Code; and
``(B) in carrying out paragraph (1), consult with the
Native American Head Start Advisory Committee and consider the
Committee's recommendations;'';
(G) in each of paragraphs (4) and (5), as so
redesignated, by striking ``effective date of this
subsection'' and inserting ``date of enactment of the
Head Start for America's Children Act''; and
(H) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by
striking ``and Labor'' and inserting ``and Workforce'';
(10) in subsection (l)--
(A) by striking ``Improving Head Start for School
Readiness Act of 2007'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``Head Start for America's Children Act'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``the Migrant and Seasonal
Head Start Advisory Committee established under
paragraph (4),'' after ``Head Start
programs,'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) undertake a study or set of studies designed
to focus on the population eligible for migrant and
seasonal Head Start programs, with a focus on issues
such as availability and need for services, culturally
appropriate research methodologies and measures for
these populations, and best practices for teaching and
educating children from farmworker families.'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Education and
Labor'' and inserting ``Education and Workforce'';
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as
paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and
(E) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Migrant and seasonal head start advisory committee.--
``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish
an independent panel (to be known as the `Migrant and
Seasonal Head Start Advisory Committee')--
``(i) to review, and make recommendations
on, the design and plan for the research
conducted under paragraph (1);
``(ii) to maintain and advise the Secretary
regarding the progress of the research; and
``(iii) to make recommendations for future
research.
``(B) Membership.--The Migrant and Seasonal Head
Start Advisory Committee shall consist of members
appointed by the Secretary from--
``(i) Migrant and Seasonal Head Start
programs;
``(ii) families served by Migrant and
Seasonal Head Start programs; and
``(iii) other appropriate entities who
specialize in serving the children of migrant
and seasonal farmworkers.
``(C) Non-expiration.--Section 1013 of title 5,
United States Code, shall not apply to the Migrant and
Seasonal Head Start Advisory Committee.
``(5) Consultation.--The Secretary shall, in carrying out
activities described in paragraph (1), consult with the Migrant
and Seasonal Head Start Advisory Committee and consider the
Committee's recommendations.'';
(11) in subsection (m)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``in the event''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``in the event of a large-scale emergency or
other major disaster or emergency declared under
section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191).''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A)--
(I) by striking ``Improving Head
Start for School Readiness Act of
2007'' and inserting ``Head Start for
America's Children Act''; and
(II) by striking ``and Labor'' and
inserting ``and Workforce''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``,
including those that were developed in response
to hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma''; and
(12) by adding at the end the following:
``(n) Discipline.--
``(1) References.--In this subsection, a reference to a
Head Start program includes an Early Head Start program and a
reference to a Head Start agency includes an Early Head Start
agency.
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to
evaluate discipline practices of the Head Start programs and
make recommendations for how Head Start programs shall reduce
the overuse of discipline practices and improve the use of
evidence-based strategies to support children.
``(3) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall evaluate Head Start
programs in the use of discipline practices, including--
``(A) rates of suspensions of children;
``(B) rates of dismissal or replacement to another
program;
``(C) rates of corporal punishment or physically
abusive behavior, including physical restraint;
``(D) with respect to physical restraint imposed
upon children--
``(i) the total number of such incidents;
``(ii) the total number of children upon
whom such physical restraint was imposed;
``(iii) in a case in which such physical
restraint was imposed more than twice on a
child, the number of times such child was so
restrained; and
``(iv) the total number of such incidents
where the use of physical restraint is referred
to law enforcement; and
``(E) rates of emotionally harmful or abusive
behavior, including seclusion.
``(4) Disaggregation.--
``(A) In general.--The data collected and evaluated
under paragraph (3) shall be disaggregated by--
``(i) each major racial and ethnic group;
``(ii) sex;
``(iii) status as an economically
disadvantaged child;
``(iv) status as a children with a
disability or as a child without a disability;
and
``(v) status as a child developing English
proficiency.
``(B) Physical restraint data.--With respect to the
data collected under paragraph (3)(D) regarding the
total number of incidents in which physical restraint
was imposed upon a child, such data shall be
disaggregated by--
``(i) incidents that resulted in injury;
``(ii) incidents that resulted in death;
and
``(iii) incidents in which the program
staff imposing physical restraint was not
trained and certified by a State-approved
crisis intervention training program.
``(5) Reports to congress.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 18 months after
the date of the enactment of the Head Start for
America's Children Act and each year thereafter, the
Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committee on
Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate a report containing the results
of the evaluation required under paragraph (3).
``(B) Contents.--The report submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall include--
``(i) an analysis of data related to the
incidents in Head Start programs described in
subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (3);
``(ii) an analysis of the effectiveness of
Federal, State, and local efforts to eliminate
seclusion and prevent and reduce the number of
physical restraint incidents in Head Start
programs;
``(iii) an identification of the types of
programs and services that have demonstrated
the greatest effectiveness in eliminating and
preventing seclusion and preventing and
reducing the number of physical restraint
incidents in Head Start programs;
``(iv) an identification of evidence-based
staff training models with demonstrated success
in preventing seclusion and preventing and
reducing the number of physical restraint
incidents in Head Start programs, including
models that emphasize positive behavioral
interventions and supports and de-escalation
techniques over physical intervention.
``(v) recommendations for improvements to
Head Start programs on the use of discipline
practices and the plan of the Secretary to
implement such recommendations;
``(vi) an evaluation of evidence-based
strategies to support children, including
multi-tiered systems of support such as systems
with positive behavioral interventions and
supports, mental health supports, restorative
justice programs, trauma-informed care, and
crisis and de-escalation interventions in Head
Start programs;
``(vii) an evaluation of staff training for
such strategies; and
``(viii) an evaluation of procedures for
Head Start agencies and the Secretary to
coordinate with appropriate Federal, State, and
local policies, programs, or activities
regarding the overuse of discipline
practices.''.
SEC. 22. REPORTS.
Section 651 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9846), as so
redesignated, is amended--
(1) by striking ``and Labor'' each place the term appears
and inserting ``and Workforce'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``limited English
proficient children'' and inserting ``children
who are developing English proficiency''; and
(ii) by striking ``Indian'' and inserting
``Native American'';
(B) in paragraph (7)--
(i) by inserting ``benefits,'' after
``salaries,''; and
(ii) by striking the semicolon and
inserting the following: ``including--
``(A) information on how training programs
authorized under this subchapter increases recruitment
and retention of Head Start staff;
``(B) information on Head Start staff wage and
benefits comparability, taking into account geographic
variation, in relation to public elementary school
educators and similarly credentialed professionals, and
how pay structure and wage ladders influence Head Start
staff recruitment and retention; and
``(C) information on the adequacy of the annual
base salary applicable for the period of the report to
meet the basic needs of Head Start staff, with respect
to an annual base salary of the amount determined under
section 653(b);'';
(C) in paragraph (8)--
(i) by striking ``including information on
family income'' and inserting ``, disaggregated
by family income levels'';
(ii) by inserting ``status'' after
``homelessness''; and
(iii) by striking ``disability'' and
inserting ``sex, status as a child with a
disability, age, status as a child developing
English proficiency'';
(D) in paragraph (13)(B)--
(i) by striking ``section 649'' and
inserting ``section 650''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(E) in paragraph (14), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(15) a study detailing the population of children and
families served through the existing eligibility of the Head
Start program, as of the date of the study, including the
demographics and number of children and families served--
``(A) with an income that is less than 60 percent
of the State median income for a family of the same
size;
``(B) through the categorical eligibility pathways
under section 645(a)(1)(B)(ii);
``(C) who meet the selection criteria under section
645(d)(1) for Native American Head Start programs; and
``(D) who meet the selection criteria under section
645(e) for migrant and seasonal Head Start programs;
and
``(16) a survey of Head Start and child care partnerships
supported under section 657F that determines the extent of
barriers for such entities to enter into partnership
agreements, including suggested steps to overcome such
barriers, and a detailed description of the degree to which
Early Head Start agencies are utilizing the funds provided
under this subchapter.'';
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ``Indian Head Start''
and all that follows through ``agencies.'' and inserting
``Native American Head Start agencies.'';
(4) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``Improving Head
Start for School Readiness Act of 2007'' and inserting ``Head
Start for America's Children Act'';
(5) in subsection (e), by striking ``Improving Head Start
for School Readiness Act of 2007'' and inserting ``Head Start
for America's Children Act''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Re-Competition Trends.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the Head Start for America's Children Act, the
Secretary shall make publicly available a report on the trends of re-
competition of Head Start programs (which, for purposes of this
subsection, shall include Early Head Start programs) since the
implementation of the designated renewal system under section 641,
including--
``(1) analyzing changes in Head Start agencies (which, for
purposes of this subsection, shall include Early Head Start
agencies) and subsequent associations on program quality and
outcomes for children, including infants and toddlers;
``(2) identifying the number and the characteristics of
agencies whose designations as Head Start agencies have been
renewed in accordance with the system for designation renewal
under section 641(c) since the implementation of the designated
renewal system;
``(3) identifying the number and the characteristics of
agencies whose designations as Head Start agencies have not
renewed under section 641(c) since the implementation of the
designated renewal system and have resulted in an open
competition under section 641(d); and
``(4) identifying elements of the designation process that
potentially deter new grantees from participating in a
competition, including trends in the number of applicants who
seek to serve the same community.
``(g) Staffing Trends.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Head Start for America's Children Act, the Secretary
shall prepare and submit, to the Committee on Education and Workforce
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a report detailing the effect that
any reduction in staffing at the Administration of Children and
Families during the period beginning on January 1, 2025, and ending on
the date of the report had on executing the statutorily required
activities of this subchapter, including--
``(1) the ability for Head Start centers to remain open and
offer day-to-day services to children and their families;
``(2) investigations of child health and safety incidents;
``(3) training and technical assistance to ensure high-
quality services for children;
``(4) disbursement of congressionally appropriated funds
and grants to local grantees and the review of grant renewal
applications and modifications; and
``(5) the ability of Native American Head Start agencies to
access timely technical assistance, funding, and services from
national and regional offices.''.
SEC. 23. HEAD START STAFF WAGES.
Section 653 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9848) is amended--
(1) by striking the section designation and heading and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 653. HEAD START STAFF COMPENSATION.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d);
(3) striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) References.--In this section, a reference to a Head Start
program includes an Early Head Start program and a reference to a Head
Start agency includes an Early Head Start agency.
``(b) Staff Wages and Benefits.--The Secretary shall take such
action as may be necessary to ensure that persons employed in carrying
out Head Start programs financed under this subchapter shall--
``(1) receive compensation that--
``(A) for Head Start program educational staff, is
not less than the higher of--
``(i) 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; and
``(II) for fiscal year 2027 and
each subsequent fiscal year (referred
to in this subclause as the
`determination fiscal year'), an amount
equal to the annual base salary under
this clause for the preceding year,
increased by the estimated percentage
increase (if any), as determined by the
Secretary of Health and Human Services,
in the Consumer Price Index For All
Urban Consumers, issued by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, occurring in the
most recent fiscal year ending prior to
the beginning of such determination
fiscal year;
``(B) establishes or improves a salary scale, wage
ladder, or pay structure for all Head Start program
staff that increases with qualifications and
experience;
``(C) sufficiently provides a livable and
competitive salary for all Head Start program staff
within the agency's service area;
``(D) ensures comparability of compensation across
Head Start preschool and Early Head Start staff
positions; and
``(E) ensures Head Start agencies provide
compensation and benefits that are--
``(i) based on staff responsibilities,
qualifications, training, and experience; and
``(ii) updated not less than once every 3
years;
``(2) provide or facilitate access to competitive benefits
for Head Start program staff working not less than 30 hours per
week, such as--
``(A) high-quality, affordable health coverage;
``(B) paid personal leave; and
``(C) access to short-term, free or minimal cost
behavioral health services;
``(3) facilitate access to high-quality, affordable health
care coverage for staff working less than 30 hours per week;
and
``(4) facilitate access to high-quality, affordable child
care and to the public service loan forgiveness program under
section 455(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087e(m)).
``(c) Rebuilding the Head Start Workforce Grants.--
``(1) Program authorized.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall award
grants, on a competitive basis, to Head Start agencies
to meet the immediate staff needs and enhance the
program quality of Head Start programs.
``(B) Duration.--A grant award under this
subsection shall be for a period of not more than 5
years.
``(2) Applications.--A Head Start agency desiring a grant
under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require. Such application
shall include--
``(A) information regarding--
``(i) the current staff of the Head Start
agency, as of the date of application,
including the number of staff employed, the
positions and responsibilities of such staff,
the degrees held by such staff (as applicable),
and the early childhood education experience of
such staff; and
``(ii) the current unfilled staffing needs
of the Head Start agency, as of the date of
application;
``(B) a description of the recruitment and
retention activities proposed to be conducted by the
eligible agency under the grant, such as professional
development activities and plans to ensure new staff
are well-supported and well-compensated; and
``(C) plans to address immediate staff needs to
enhance program quality and improve Head Start program
services to eligible children and families.
``(3) Reservations.--From amounts appropriated to carry out
this subsection, the Secretary shall reserve not less than a
total of 4.5 percent to award grants to--
``(A) American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native
Hawaiian Head Start agencies; and
``(B) migrant and seasonal Head Start agencies.
``(4) Priority.--Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary
shall give priority to applications that propose to, in
accordance with paragraph (1)--
``(A) address staffing shortages that are
associated with a reduction in funding for the Head
Start agency due to chronic underenrollment, in
accordance with section 641A(h);
``(B) increase the staff skills and qualifications
to meet the diverse (including linguistic and cultural)
needs of eligible children (including infants and
toddlers with disabilities, children with disabilities,
homeless children, children in foster or kinship care,
children who receive care during additional hours not
typically included in a full calendar year schedule and
children who are developing English proficiency) and
their families;
``(C) increase capacity to serve children who have
been identified as part of underserved populations,
rural communities, or areas of persistent poverty; and
``(D) support and incorporate Native American
languages and cultural instruction for Native American
Head Start programs.
``(5) Uses of funds.--A Head Start agency that receives a
grant under this subsection shall use grant funds for not less
than 1 of the following:
``(A) Providing recruitment and retention bonuses
for Head Start staff, particularly educators and mental
health consultants.
``(B) Supporting the mental health of Head Start
staff.
``(C) Delivering or facilitating professional
development and instructional coaching for Head Start
staff, particularly those who are involved in the
direct education and care of children.
``(6) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct an
evaluation to assess the effectiveness of grants under this
subsection in--
``(A) attracting and retaining Head Start educators
and other staff, particularly--
``(i) in rural communities;
``(ii) to meet linguistically and
culturally appropriate needs aligned with
community needs assessments; and
``(iii) to support the mental health and
well-being of children, families, and staff;
and
``(B) expanding the capacity of Head Start agencies
to support children and families with health, mental
health, educational, nutritional, social, and other
services.''; and
(4) in subsection (d)(2), as so redesignated--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``includes salary'' and
inserting the following: ``the sum of--
``(i) the base salary, calculated as an
annual rate of pay; and''; and
(ii) by striking ``bonuses, periodic
payments, severance pay,'' and inserting the
following:
``(ii) severance pay,''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``bonuses,
stipends, awards, periodic payments, and'' before ``any
Head Start agency''.
SEC. 24. NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISIONS.
Section 654(c) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9849(c)) is amended
by striking ``handicapping condition'' and inserting ``disability''.
SEC. 25. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD.
Section 657B of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9852b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``Indian'' and
inserting ``Native American'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)(ii)--
(i) in the clause heading, by striking
``Indian'' and inserting ``Native american head
start''; and
(ii) by striking ``an Indian'' and
inserting ``a Native American'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``an Indian'' and
inserting ``a Native American''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``limited English
proficient children'' and inserting ``children who are
developing English proficiency'';
(3) in subsection (d)(1)(B), by striking ``limited English
proficient children'' and inserting ``children who are
developing English proficiency'';
(4) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``Improving Head
Start for School Readiness Act of 2007'' and inserting ``Head
Start for America's Children Act''; and
(5) in subsection (f), by striking ``2008 through 2012''
and inserting ``2026 through 2030''.
SEC. 26. COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY PILOT PROGRAM.
The Head Start Act is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 657C (42 U.S.C. 9852c) as
section 657G; and
(2) by inserting after section 657B the following:
``SEC. 657C. COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Community.--The term `community' means--
``(A) a city, county, or multicity or multicounty
unit within a State;
``(B) an Indian reservation, including Indians in
any off-reservation area designated by an appropriate
Tribal government, in consultation with the Secretary;
``(C) an area served by a Native Hawaiian
organization or Native Hawaiian educational
organization; or
``(D) a neighborhood or other area (irrespective of
boundaries or political subdivisions).
``(2) Covered agency.--The term `covered agency' means a
Head Start agency, including an Early Head Start agency.
``(3) Covered program.--The term `covered program' means a
Head Start program, including an Early Head Start program.
``(4) Pilot program.--The term `pilot program' means the
pilot program established under subsection (b).
``(b) Establishment of Community Eligibility Pilot Programs.--
``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out
this section, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program
under which the Secretary shall provide authority and
additional funds to a covered agency serving a local community
of high poverty through a covered program to enable the covered
agency to enroll all children within the age range served by
the covered agency living in such community in the covered
program, without regard to the eligibility criteria under
section 645 or 645A, as applicable.
``(2) Number of participating agencies.--The Secretary
shall select not more than 10 covered agencies to participate
in the pilot program during the period of the pilot program.
``(c) Application.--A covered agency desiring to participate in the
pilot program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require.
``(d) Considerations.--In approving applications for participation
in the pilot program, the Secretary shall consider--
``(1) how the covered program supported under the pilot
program will be meeting the needs of children in the local
community served;
``(2) the demographics of the local community to be served;
``(3) various metrics for determining a high rate of
poverty in a local community;
``(4) whether proposed outreach efforts to the local
community served are linguistically and culturally inclusive;
and
``(5) the plans of the covered agency for prioritizing
children with the greatest need in the local community if the
capacity of the covered agency or covered program is limited.
``(e) Technical Assistance.--In carrying out the pilot program, the
Secretary shall provide technical assistance, training, and materials
to covered agencies selected to participate in the pilot program.
``(f) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the
pilot program to assess the effectiveness of the pilot program in--
``(1) meeting the needs of children and families not
otherwise eligible for covered programs;
``(2) improving the identification of children from low-
income backgrounds, children facing hardship, and children in
local areas of high poverty;
``(3) reducing barriers to participation and enrollment in
the covered program;
``(4) ensuring program quality and effectiveness in meeting
the standards described in section 641A; and
``(5) providing or connecting families with services to
support the health, mental health, educational, nutritional,
and social needs of their children and themselves.
``(g) Reports.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate--
``(1) by not later than the date that is 2 years after the
date on which the pilot program is implemented, a report
containing information on the initial results of the pilot
program, including the demographic and income data of children
and families eligible and enrolled in covered programs under
the pilot program; and
``(2) during the period beginning on the last day of the
pilot program (including any extension authorized under
subsection (h)) and ending on the date that is 2 years after
such last day, a report containing recommendations to improve
the identification of children and families eligible to
participate in a covered program residing in local communities
of high and persistent poverty.
``(h) Termination.--The pilot program carried out under this
section (except with respect to the report described in subsection
(g)(2)) shall cease to have effect on the last day of the 5-year period
beginning on the day that the first grant is awarded under this
section, except that the Secretary may elect to extend the pilot
program for 1 additional period of not more than 3 years.''.
SEC. 27. HEAD START AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
PARTNERSHIPS.
The Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) is amended by inserting
after section 657C, as added by section 26, the following:
``SEC. 657D. HEAD START AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
PARTNERSHIPS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible agency.--The term `eligible agency' means a
Head Start agency, including an Early Head Start agency.
``(2) Eligible program.--The term `eligible program' means
a Head Start program, including an Early Head Start program.
``(3) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term `Hispanic-
serving institution' has the meaning given such term in section
502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1101a(a)).
``(4) Historically black college or university.--The term
`historically Black college or university' has the meaning
given the term `part B institution' in section 322 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).
``(5) Minority-serving institution.--The term `minority-
serving institution' means an institution described in any of
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
``(6) Student parent.--The term `student parent', with
respect to an institution of higher education, means an
individual who--
``(A) is a parent;
``(B) is enrolled in a program of postsecondary
education at such institution; and
``(C) whose child is eligible for an eligible
program.
``(7) Tribal college or university.--The term `Tribal
College or University' has the meaning given the term in
section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1059c(b)).
``(b) Pilot Program Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out
this section, the Secretary shall make grants, on a competitive
basis, to eligible agencies to form partnerships with
institutions of higher education to support the participation
of student parents in on-campus eligible programs.
``(2) Duration.--An award made under paragraph (1) shall be
for a period of 5 years, with an opportunity for renewal for
additional 3-year periods in accordance with subsection (f)(2).
``(c) Use of Funds.--Grant funds awarded under subsection (b) shall
be used by a partnership between an eligible agency and an institution
of higher education to support or establish a campus-based eligible
program to serve the needs of student parents enrolled in the
institution.
``(d) Applications.--An eligible agency desiring a grant under this
section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in
such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may
require. Each application shall--
``(1) describe the partnership with the institution of
higher education involved;
``(2) specify the amount of funds requested;
``(3) demonstrate the need of student parents at the
institution for campus-based Head Start services by including--
``(A) information regarding student demographics
and income;
``(B) information regarding the existence of
waiting lists for existing Head Start agencies
(including Early Head Start agencies) in the community
surrounding the institution;
``(C) information regarding additional needs
created by concentrations of poverty or by geographic
isolation; and
``(D) other relevant data;
``(4) contain a description of the activities to be
assisted, including whether the grant funds will support an
existing eligible program (as of the date of application) or a
new eligible program;
``(5) identify the resources, including technical expertise
and financial support, the Head Start agency will draw upon to
support the partnership and the participation of student
parents; and
``(6) in the case of an eligible agency seeking assistance
for a new eligible program located on an institution's campus--
``(A) provide a timeline, covering the period from
receipt of the grant through the provision of the
services, delineating the specific steps the agency and
institution will take to achieve the goal of reaching
student parents; and
``(B) include a plan for identifying--
``(i) resources needed for the partnership,
including space in which to provide the
eligible program;
``(ii) community services and partnerships;
and
``(iii) technical assistance if necessary.
``(e) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority in awarding
partnership grants under this section to eligible agencies that propose
to support eligible programs that--
``(1) partner with historically Black colleges and
universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, or other
minority-serving institutions, including Hispanic-serving
institutions;
``(2) meet the needs of underserved children and
institutions of higher education with high populations of
student parents; or
``(3) serve a high proportion of student parents who are
eligible for a Federal Pell Grant under section 401 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a).
``(f) Reporting Requirements; Continuing Eligibility.--
``(1) Reporting requirements.--
``(A) Reports.--Each eligible agency receiving a
grant under this section shall submit a report to the
Secretary annually.
``(B) Contents.--The report submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall include--
``(i) data on the population served under
the grant under this section;
``(ii) information on campus and community
resources and funding used to help student
parents access the eligible program supported
under the grant;
``(iii) information on the impact of the
grant on the quality or availability of campus-
based early childhood education services at the
institution of higher education; and
``(iv) information on how the partnership
influences the educational opportunities for
student parents at such institution.
``(2) Renewal.--The Secretary may renew a grant under this
section on the basis of the reports submitted under paragraph
(1) if the Secretary determines that the institution with which
the eligible entity is partnering is making a good-faith effort
to ensure that student parents at the institution have access
to eligible programs.
``(g) Coordination.--An eligible agency receiving a grant under
this section and the institution of higher education with which the
eligible agency is partnering may coordinate services and grant funds
provided under this section with campus-based child care services
supported under the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program
under section 419N of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1070e).''.
SEC. 28. EXTENDED OPERATION GRANTS.
The Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) is amended by inserting
after section 657D, as added by section 27, the following:
``SEC. 657E. EXTENDED OPERATION GRANTS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible agency.--The term `eligible agency' means a
Head Start agency, including an Early Head Start agency.
``(2) Eligible program.--The term `eligible program' means
a Head Start program, including an Early Head Start program.
``(b) Program Authorized.--From amounts made available to carry out
this section, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis,
to eligible agencies to enable the eligible agencies to extend the
hours of operation of eligible programs by providing center-based
services under this subchapter for full-working-day operations (which
may include hours during summer months) during a year.
``(c) Applications.--An eligible agency desiring a grant under this
section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require.
``(d) Award Basis.--
``(1) Reservations.--
``(A) In general.--From amounts made available to
carry out this section, the Secretary may reserve not
less than a total of 4.5 percent of such amounts to
award grants, in accordance with subparagraph (B), to--
``(i) Native American Head Start agencies
(including Early Head Start agencies); or
``(ii) migrant and seasonal Head Start
agencies (including Early Head Start agencies).
``(B) Modified grant requirements.--A Native
American Head Start agency or migrant and seasonal Head
Start agency (including a Native American or migrant
and seasonal Early Head Start agency) receiving a grant
under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) shall use grant funds, in accordance
with subsection (e), to provide center-based
services under this subchapter for a schedule
that includes additional hours; and
``(ii) notwithstanding subsection (b),
shall not be required to provide such services
for a full-working-day schedule, unless the
agency determines it appropriate to do so.
``(2) Priority.--After carrying out the reservation under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to
applications that propose to, in accordance with subsection
(b)--
``(A) extend the hours of operation of the eligible
program, as described in such subsection;
``(B) continue high-quality programs and services
during the summer months, particularly in communities
with limited child care and early education options;
``(C) increase operations to serve children who
have been identified as part of underserved
populations, from rural communities, or from areas of
persistent poverty; and
``(D) provide additional hours of operation that
better support the work schedules of local families.
``(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible agency that receives a grant under
this section shall use grant funds for the costs of 1 or more of the
following:
``(1) Providing compensation for staff of the eligible
program, particularly for the extended hours of operation of
the eligible program, as described in subsection (b).
``(2) Facility upgrades, furniture, materials, supplies,
and other operational costs associated with extending the hours
of operation of the eligible program.''.
SEC. 29. HEAD START AND CHILD CARE PARTNERSHIPS.
The Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) is amended by inserting
after section 657E, as added by section 28, the following:
``SEC. 657F. HEAD START AND CHILD CARE PARTNERSHIPS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Child care provider.-- The term `child care provider'
means a center-based or family child care provider.
``(2) Eligible agency.--The term `eligible agency' means a
Head Start agency, including an Early Head Start agency.
``(3) Eligible program.--The term `eligible program' means
a Head Start program, including an Early Head Start program.
``(b) Program Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out
this section, the Secretary shall award grants, on a
competitive basis, to eligible agencies to enable the eligible
agencies to--
``(A) enter into a partnership described in
subsection (c) with 1 or more child care providers,
particularly child care providers that receive support
under the Child Care and Development Block Grant of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 9857 et seq.); and
``(B) coordinate with relevant early education
programs in the agency's service area.
``(c) Partnerships.--An eligible agency that receives a grant under
this section shall enter into a contractual relationship with a child
care provider to improve the quality of the child care provider's child
care programs so that the child care provider meets the program
performance standards under section 641A, through activities that may
include--
``(1) expanding the child care programs of the child care
provider through financial support;
``(2) providing support to the child care provider staff
with professional development;
``(3) blending funds received by either partner under the
Child Care and Development Block Grant of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9857
et seq.) and the eligible program under this section in order
to provide high-quality child care for a full working day, in
order to increase the availability of high-quality child care
and early education;
``(4) creating a clear and realizable timeline to increase
the quality and capacity of a child care provider so that the
provider meets the program performance standards under section
641A; and
``(5) aligning activities and services provided through
funding under this section with the Head Start Child Outcomes
Framework.
``(d) Priority.--To create a strong continuum of high-quality
services for children from birth to school entry, the Secretary shall
give priority to eligible agencies who propose to create strong
alignment of--
``(1) programs with maternal, infant, and early childhood
home visiting programs assisted under section 511 of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 711);
``(2) State-funded prekindergarten programs;
``(3) programs carried out under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.); and
``(4) programs carried out under the Child Care and
Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9857 et seq.).
``(e) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide technical
assistance and training under section 648 to eligible agencies and
child care providers with respect to the development or implementation
of such partnerships.
``(f) Standards.--Prior to awarding a grant to any eligible agency
under this section, the Secretary shall establish standards to ensure
the responsibility and expectations of the eligible agency and the
partnering child care providers are clearly defined.
``(g) Exemption.--A child care provider that participates in a
partnership under this section and receives assistance through a grant
under this section shall be exempt, for a period of 36 months, from the
designation renewal requirements under section 641(c).''.
SEC. 30. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
Subsection (b) of section 657G of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9852c), as so redesignated, is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Special Rules.--
``(1) Rule of construction regarding curriculum.--Nothing
in this subchapter shall be construed to authorize a Head Start
program or a local educational agency to require the other to
select or implement a specific curriculum or program of
instruction.
``(2) Prohibition on additional eligibility requirements.--
No child or family shall be determined by the Secretary or a
Head Start agency (including an Early Head Start agency) to be
ineligible for services provided under this subchapter except
on the basis of the eligibility requirements specified under
this subchapter.
``(3) Nonapplicability for certain programs.--Nothing
regarding full calendar year requirements in this subchapter
shall apply to Native American Head Start programs and migrant
and seasonal Head Start programs, consistent with section
642(j)(3).''.
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