Bill · H.R. 9045· House(119-HR-9045)
Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act
- Introduced
- 5/29/2026
- Last activity
- 5/29/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Mark DeSaulnier
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify and review effective interventions for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. These interventions should focus on improving the social, emotional, and behavioral health of children through evidence-based practices and staff training. The Act also calls for identifying methods to support staff wellness and self-care. Following the identification process, the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families will award grants to help agencies implement these interventions. Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of these implementations. The Act authorizes $100,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2027 through 2036 to support these efforts.
Yes· 3 of 13
Would children be better off under this?+8
The bill specifically focuses on improving the behavioral, social, and emotional health of young children.
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+7
The bill directs the identification and implementation of interventions to improve the social, emotional, and behavioral health of children.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+6
The bill enhances Head Start and Early Head Start programs, which primarily serve low-income families.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Child Development: The Secretary is tasked with finding interventions that improve behavioral health and support healthy social, emotional, or cognitive development in children (Section 2(a)).
-
Support for Families: Interventions may include services and supports provided to adults or families for the benefit of the children (Section 2(a)(2)(C)).
-
Staff Well-being: The bill directs the identification of interventions and trainings that specifically support staff wellness and self-care (Section 2(b)).
-
Equitable Access: The bill seeks interventions that demonstrate effectiveness across different racial, ethnic, and geographic populations (Section 2(a)(2)(D)).
-
Geographic Diversity in Implementation: Grant requirements ensure that agencies representing a diversity of geographic areas, including urban, suburban, and rural areas, are represented (Section 3(b)).
-
Educational Preparation: The Assistant Secretary can fund up to 5 Best Practice Centers in universities and colleges to prepare future staff to deliver these interventions (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly detailed in the text of the bill.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+8Good For Low Income Households+6Good For African Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Urban Residents+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+5Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+4Improves Childcare Affordability+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1
- 5/29/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Introduced in House