Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), joined by Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio),
introduced the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act, comprehensive, forward-thinking legislation that would make tremendous investments in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Unfortunately, Head Start programs are dramatically under funded. Schiff’s legislation would invest billions of dollars in Head Start programs, infrastructure, and workforce in order to provide critical, high-quality education, health, and social services to young children and families from low-income households.
“As a parent, I know just how critical a quality education and affordable child care is for working families. There’s no question that families across the country are facing a child care crisis brought on by high costs of care and low pay for child care providers. My legislation takes bold steps to tackle workforce challenges and increase investments in Head Start and Early Start programs that are key to the success of children and families,” said Rep. Schiff.
“Low-income families in Connecticut and across the nation are being faced with the unimaginable. If Republican members of Congress force a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of children could lose access to Head Start and Early Head Start, devastating communities,” said Rep. Hayes. “In Connecticut, Head Start programs serve more than 5,000 children and families but there are so many more in need. The Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act increases eligibility under Head Start and Early Head Start which would give more families access to high quality early learning and development programs for their children. It also prioritizes child care workers by addressing student loan repayment and updating facilities that house programs.
“There are few things more important than guaranteeing children receive a first-class education and have opportunities that create a solid learning foundation,” said Rep. Lofgren. “The Head Start Program plays an important role in early childhood learning and development. It helps provide the necessary tools for children to thrive in school and in life. I am proud to join Rep. Schiff in introducing this bill because expanding Head Start will help close achievement gaps and set students up for success.”
“High quality preschool makes such a big difference,” said Rep. Landsman. “Head Start is such an important program, and I’m excited to work on reauthorizing and improving it for our children and families in Southwest Ohio.”
Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve as pillars of our communities, but are largely under-resourced, outdated, and understaffed. Earlier this year, the National Head Start Association found that nearly twenty percent of all Head Start and Early Head Start staff positions were vacant. The top reason cited for these vacancies continues to be low compensation. Further, a report by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that over 70 percent of surveyed Head Start facilities are in need of renovations. Without intervention, the worsening workforce and infrastructure crises could jeopardize Head Start programs across the country.
Specifically, the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act would –
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Expand eligibility to include families with children 5 years old and younger who are:
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Eligible for assistance under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
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At or below 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
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Triple annual funding levels to $36 billion for Fiscal Years 2025-2030.
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Establish a grant program providing $1 billion in annual funding to renovate, expand, and acquire program facilities
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Provide student loan forgiveness for Head Start and Early Head Start child care workers.
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Establish a grant program to increase salaries for Head Start and Early Head Start workers.
You can find the full bill text here.
