H.R. 10057 — Early Childhood Educator Professional Improvement Act of 2026

This section establishes the purpose of the Act as providing assistance to States to improve the knowledge, credentials, compensation, and professional development of early childhood educators working with children in early childhood education programs.

This section defines "early childhood education program" and "institution of higher education" for purposes of the Act by adopting the meanings given those terms in sections 812 and 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, respectively.

This section authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to award grants to states to implement and administer the activities described in section 6. It sets each grant for a 5-year period with annual funding subject to appropriations and compliance, and permits renewal upon a state's demonstration of compliance and satisfactory outcomes.

This section requires States seeking grants under the Act to submit applications to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, that describe the State’s comprehensive early childhood professional development system. The description must cover development in collaboration with the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care and specified partners, designation of an administering agency, system elements including oversight structures, educator standards and competencies, career and wage lattices, higher education coordination and articulation agreements, accessible courses especially in rural areas, support for dual language learners and low-income or minority communities, culturally appropriate training, workforce data use, and financing over time.

This section requires states receiving grants to use the funds for four purposes: (1) scholarships covering tuition, fees, materials, transportation, paid substitutes, and release time for early childhood educators pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field; (2) support for educators with other bachelor’s degrees to obtain an early childhood credential, licensure, or endorsement; (3) increased compensation for educators making progress toward such a degree, with pay parity upon completion and continued employment; and (4) ongoing professional development addressing child development, teacher-child interaction, family engagement, and cultural competence.

This section requires states receiving funds under the Act to maintain their own fiscal effort for the supported activities at or above the level provided in the preceding fiscal year.