August 6, 2026
Mr. Heinrich (for himself and Mr. Armstrong) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs
To amend the Head Start Act to establish Tribal certification standards for Indian Head Start programs, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act
.
Sec. 2. Exclusion from nationwide Head Start teacher credentialing calculation
Section 648A(a)(2) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843a(a)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting (other than Indian Head Start programs)
after center-based programs
; and
(2)
in subparagraph (B)—
(A)
in clause (i), by inserting (other than Indian Head Start programs)
after center-based programs
; and
(B)
in clause (ii), by inserting (other than Indian Head Start programs)
after center-based programs
.
Sec. 3. Staff qualifications for Indian Head Start programs
Section 648A(a)(2) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843a(a)(2)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively;
(2)
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
(C) Degree requirements applicable to Indian Head Start programs
(i) Minimum requirements
In order to help fulfill the objectives of Head Start programs for Indian (including Alaska Native) children and families, notwithstanding subparagraph (A) or (B), or any other provision of this subchapter, the Secretary shall ensure that all Indian Head Start teachers and teaching assistants in center-based programs either—
(I)
possess at the time of hire—
(aa)
at least a child development associate credential;
(bb)
an early childhood education certificate from an institution of higher education (as defined by section 101 or 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 1002)), including a Tribal college or university; or
(cc)
an early childhood education certificate issued by a State government entity, as long as the requirements for attaining that certificate meet or exceed the requirements to obtain a child development associate credential; or
(II)
provide, at the time of hire, proof of enrollment in an education program that will, upon completion, result in the receipt of—
(aa)
at least a child development associate credential;
(bb)
an early childhood education certificate from an institution of higher education (as defined by section 101 or 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 1002)), including a Tribal college or university; or
(cc)
an early childhood education certificate issued by a State government entity, as long as the requirements for attaining that certificate meet or exceed the requirements to obtain a child development associate credential.
(ii) Requirements for degree completion
The Secretary shall ensure that Indian Head Start teachers and teaching assistants who meet the requirements of clause (i)(II) complete the education program and earn such credential or certificate not later than 2 years after the date of hire by the Indian Head Start program.; and
(3)
in clause (i) of subparagraph (D), as so redesignated—
(A)
in subclause (I), in the matter preceding item (aa), by inserting except with respect to Indian Head Start programs
after Head Start agencies
; and
(B)
in subclause (III), by striking subparagraph (A) or (B)
and inserting subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)
.
Sec. 4. Staff qualifications for Indian Early Head Start programs
(a) In general
Section 645A(h) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840a(h)) is amended to read as follows:
(h) Center-Based staff
The Secretary shall—
(1)
ensure that all teachers providing direct services to children and families participating in Early Head Start programs located in Early Head Start centers, with the exception of Indian Early Head Start programs located in Indian Early Head Start centers subject to paragraph (2), have a minimum of a child development associate credential, and have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development; and
(2)
ensure that all teachers providing direct services to children and families participating in Indian Early Head Start programs located in Indian Early Head Start centers—
(A)
possess at the time of hire—
(i)
at least a child development associate credential;
(ii)
an early childhood education certificate from an institution of higher education (as defined by section 101 or 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 1002)), including a Tribal college or university; or
(iii)
an early childhood education certificate issued by a State government entity, as long as the requirements for attaining that certificate meet or exceed the requirements to obtain a child development associate credential; or
(B)
provide, at the time of hire, proof of enrollment in an education program that will, upon completion, result in the receipt of—
(i)
at least a child development associate credential;
(ii)
an early childhood education certificate from an institution of higher education (as defined by section 101 or 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 1002)), including a Tribal college or university; or
(iii)
an early childhood education certificate issued by a State government entity, as long as the requirements for attaining that certificate meet or exceed the requirements to obtain a child development associate credential.
(b) Definitions
Section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (10) through (26) as paragraphs (11) through (27), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
(10) Indian Early Head Start program
The term Indian Early Head Start program means an Early Head Start program served through an Indian tribe (including a consortium of such tribes or an alternative agency) or Tribal organization.