Expands Head Start eligibility, improves infrastructure, increases employee compensation, and provides loan forgiveness for childcare workers.

The Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026 amends the Head Start Act to expand eligibility for Head Start programs by increasing the family income threshold to 138 percent of the poverty line. It establishes a grant program for Head Start agencies to improve and update facilities, including addressing structural issues, expanding classroom space, and enhancing safety and emergency preparedness. The bill also creates a grant program to supplement Head Start employee compensation, considering factors like compensation gaps, cost of living, and employee vacancies.

Expands Head Start eligibility, improves infrastructure, increases employee compensation, and provides loan forgiveness for childcare workers.

The Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026 amends the Head Start Act to expand eligibility for Head Start programs by increasing the family income threshold to 138 percent of the poverty line. It establishes a grant program for Head Start agencies to improve and update facilities, including addressing structural issues, expanding classroom space, and enhancing safety and emergency preparedness. The bill also creates a grant program to supplement Head Start employee compensation, considering factors like compensation gaps, cost of living, and employee vacancies.