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Expanding Head Start: Better Wages, Mental Health Support, and Extended Hours

This bill significantly increases funding for Head Start to provide full-year services, improve staff salaries to at least $60,000, and expand eligibility for more families. It also introduces strict rules on student discipline, enhances mental health support for children and staff, and promotes Native American language preservation.
Key points
Sets a minimum annual base salary of $60,000 for staff and improves health benefits to address workforce shortages.
Expands program hours to a full calendar year and full working day to better support working parents.
Broadens eligibility to include families earning up to 60% of the state median income and those receiving SNAP or housing aid.
Mandates mental health screenings and prohibits harmful disciplinary practices like seclusion and chemical restraint.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_2819
Sponsor: Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Process start date: 2025-09-16
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Summarized by: gemini-3-pro-preview
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Head Start for America's Children Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_2819.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-09-16.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Sets a minimum annual base salary of $60,000 for staff and improves health benefits to address workforce shortages.
  • Expands program hours to a full calendar year and full working day to better support working parents.
  • Broadens eligibility to include families earning up to 60% of the state median income and those receiving SNAP or housing aid.
  • Mandates mental health screenings and prohibits harmful disciplinary practices like seclusion and chemical restraint.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-19.

CATEGORIES

Education Family Benefits