Early Childhood Educator Professional Improvement Act of 2026

H.R. 10057, the Early Childhood Educator Professional Improvement Act of 2026, would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to award five-year grants to states to build and support comprehensive early childhood educator professional development systems. States receiving grants would use the funds to provide scholarships covering tuition, fees, materials, transportation, substitutes, and release time for early childhood educators pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood education; help educators with degrees in other fields earn relevant credentials or endorsements; increase compensation for educators progressing toward such degrees, with pay parity upon completion; and fund ongoing professional development covering child development, teacher-child interaction, family engagement, and cultural competence.

The bill primarily affects state agencies administering early childhood programs, early childhood educators and teacher assistants working in those programs, and institutions of higher education involved in training them. States must apply with a description of their existing professional development system, maintain their existing level of funding effort, and use grant funds to supplement rather than replace other funding sources.

The bill was introduced in the House on August 6, 2026, by Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) with several cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. It would need to be considered and passed by that committee, the full House, the Senate, and signed by the President before taking effect; funding would be authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 if enacted.

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