H.R. 7637

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7637 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7637

To amend the Head Start Act to improve the Act.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 20, 2026

Ms. Tlaib (for herself, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Ms. Adams, Mrs. 
Beatty, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Carson, Mr. Cisneros, Ms. Clarke of New York, 
Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mrs. Dingell, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Evans of 
Pennsylvania, Mr. Frost, Ms. Norton, Mr. Garamendi, Mr. Garcia of 
Illinois, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Gomez, Ms. Hoyle of Oregon, Ms. Jayapal, 
Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Lieu, Ms. McClellan, Mr. McGarvey, Mrs. 
McIver, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Ms. Omar, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Pocan, Ms. 
Ross, Ms. Simon, Ms. Tokuda, and Mrs. Watson Coleman) introduced the 
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and 
Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

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)'';
(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;''; and
(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)''; and
(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)''; and
(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''; and
(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;''; 
and
(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,''; and
(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; and
(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),''; and
(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''; and
(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 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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