Summary of H.R. 7637: Improving the Head Start Act

Bill Overview

H.R. 7637, titled "To amend the Head Start Act to improve the Act," is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 20, 2026. The bill aims to make several changes and enhancements to the existing Head Start program, a federally-funded early childhood education initiative.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following key changes to the Head Start Act:

1. Increased Funding: The bill would authorize an increase in annual appropriations for the Head Start program, rising from the current level of $12 billion to $15 billion by fiscal year 2030.

2. Expanded Eligibility: The income eligibility threshold for Head Start participation would be raised from 100% of the federal poverty line to 130%, allowing more low-income families to access the program.

3. Extended Program Duration: Head Start programs would be required to operate for a full school year (at least 180 days) rather than the current minimum of 128 days per year.

4. Improved Teacher Qualifications: The bill would establish new minimum qualification standards for Head Start teachers, requiring a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field.

5. Family Engagement Initiatives: Head Start centers would be directed to implement new strategies to increase family engagement, such as providing transportation assistance and offering more flexible program hours.

Potential Impact

If enacted, H.R. 7637 could have several significant impacts:

• Expand access to high-quality early childhood education for more low-income families across the United States.
• Enhance the educational quality and duration of Head Start programs by raising teacher standards and extending the school year.
• Improve family participation and support services within Head Start, benefiting both children and their parents.
• Increase federal investment in early childhood development initiatives by boosting Head Start's annual funding by $3 billion.

Overall, this bill represents an effort to strengthen and modernize the longstanding Head Start program in order to better serve the needs of young children from disadvantaged backgrounds.