Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
What this bill does
H.R. 9958, the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026, would amend the Head Start Act and related federal loan law to expand access to and funding for Head Start early childhood programs. It broadens the definition of "public assistance" used for eligibility to include programs such as TANF, SSI, SNAP, WIC, and children's health insurance (CHIP), and raises the family income eligibility threshold to 138 percent of the poverty line. The bill also authorizes $36 billion annually for fiscal years 2027–2032 for Head Start operations, creates a new $1 billion-per-year (2027–2030) grant program for Head Start facility construction and repair—prioritizing older or unsafe buildings—and authorizes $6.8 billion annually (2027–2032) for grants to help Head Start agencies raise staff pay. Additionally, it creates a federal student loan cancellation program for Head Start and Early Head Start childcare workers who work full-time in the program for three years.
The bill primarily affects low-income families seeking Head Start or Early Head Start services, Head Start program operators and their staff, and student loan borrowers employed as Head Start childcare workers. Expanded eligibility rules and higher funding levels could increase the number of children served and improve facility conditions and staff compensation, subject to future appropriations.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Jahana Hayes and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. It has not yet received committee action, and would need to pass the House, the Senate, and be signed by the President before taking effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026
This bill reauthorizes through FY2032 and otherwise revises Head Start programs.
Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for Head Start programs to include families with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level. The bill also adds a definition for public assistance under the Head Start Act to include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program to make grants to Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) to construct or improve facilities. HHS must also establish and carry out a program to make grants to Head Start agencies for increasing the compensation paid to employees.
The bill also provides student loan forgiveness for certain Head Start and Early Head Start child care workers. In particular, the Department of Education must cancel the outstanding balance of principal, interest, and fees due on Federal Direct Loans for a borrower who (1) has been employed full-time by a Head Start or Early Head Start program for three years, and (2) has provided care or instruction to children enrolled in such a program.
Timeline
27 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9958 do?
- H.R. 9958, the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026, would amend the Head Start Act and related federal loan law to expand access to and funding for Head Start early childhood programs. It broadens the definition of "public assistance" used for eligibility to include programs such as TANF, SSI, SNAP, WIC, and children's health insurance (CHIP), and raises the family income eligibility threshold to 138 percent of the poverty line. The bill also authorizes $36 billion annually for fiscal years 2027–2032 for Head Start operations, creates a new $1 billion-per-year (2027–2030) grant program for Head Start facility construction and repair—prioritizing older or unsafe buildings—and authorizes $6.8 billion annually (2027–2032) for grants to help Head Start agencies raise staff pay. Additionally, it creates a federal student loan cancellation program for Head Start and Early Head Start childcare workers who work full-time in the program for three years. The bill primarily affects low-income families seeking Head Start or Early Head Start services, Head Start program operators and their staff, and student loan borrowers employed as Head Start childcare workers. Expanded eligibility rules and higher funding levels could increase the number of children served and improve facility conditions and staff compensation, subject to future appropriations. The bill was introduced in the House on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Jahana Hayes and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. It has not yet received committee action, and would need to pass the House, the Senate, and be signed by the President before taking effect.
- Has H.R. 9958 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9958. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9958?
- H.R. 9958 was sponsored by Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5] (D-CT), with 22 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9958?
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (27 Jul 2026).
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