This bill provides FY2026 continuing appropriations to carry out Head Start programs without interruption during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2026 are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown).
The Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood education and development services to low-income children. The programs seek to promote school readiness through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services.
This bill provides FY2026 appropriations to continue projects and activities under the programs that were funded in FY2025. The appropriations are available until the earliest of
the enactment into law of legislation that provides appropriations (including continuing appropriations) for Head Start, the enactment into law of legislation that provides regular or continuing appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services without an appropriation for Head Start, or September 30, 2026. This bill must take effect as if it had been enacted on September 30, 2025.