Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026

Expanded Eligibility: The bill expands the definition of public assistance to include programs like temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental security income, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, and State children's health insurance programs. (Section 2)

Increased Income Threshold: The bill increases the family income threshold to 138 percent. (Section 3)

Infrastructure Improvements: A new grant program allows Head Start agencies to construct or improve facilities. Priority is given to facilities that may have been built before 1970, have not had major renovations, or have hazardous conditions, such as mold, smoke, lead, or lack of emergency preparedness. (Section 5)

Loan Forgiveness for Workers: Full-time employees of Head Start or Early Head Start programs who provide care or instruction to children can have the balance of interest, principal, and fees due on eligible Federal Direct Loans canceled after a 3-year period. (Section 6)

Salary Supplementation: A grant program will be established to supplement the compensation paid by Head Start agencies to their employees, taking into account local cost of living and employee vacancies. (Section 7)

Restrictions on Loan Benefits: Borrowers are ineligible to receive a reduction of loan obligations under this specific section if they are already receiving benefits through section 428J, 455(m), or 460. (Section 6)

Funding Limitations for Salaries: The grant program for employee compensation is intended to supplement, not supplant, the compensation already paid by Head Start agencies. (Section 7)