Early Childhood Educator Professional Improvement Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Early Childhood Educator Professional Improvement Act of 2026, authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to provide grants to States. The primary purpose of these grants is to enhance the knowledge, credentials, compensation, and professional development of early childhood educators working in early childhood education programs. Each grant will be awarded for a period of five years, with the possibility of renewal, subject to appropriations and continued compliance with program requirements. States applying for these grants must submit a comprehensive plan detailing their early childhood professional development system, developed in collaboration with various stakeholders including State Advisory Councils, higher education institutions, and early childhood organizations. Grant funds must be used to provide scholarships for educators to pursue bachelor's degrees, support those with non-early childhood degrees in attaining relevant credentials, and increase compensation for educators pursuing or completing degrees. Additionally, funds will support ongoing professional development opportunities addressing child development, teacher-child interaction, family engagement, and cultural competence. The bill includes provisions for "supplement not supplant" and "maintenance of effort" to ensure federal funds add to, rather than replace, existing state investments, and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.