WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) introduced the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act of 2026, legislation to strengthen teacher preparation programs and better equip educators working with young children.
The bill would require training in early childhood development, including child social and emotional growth, age-appropriate behavioral supports, and effective instructional practices. The legislation recognizes that the earliest years of the life of a child are critical to long-term learning and development and ensures educators have the tools to support children during these formative years.
The first five years of a child’s life are critical for development. Leaders working with young children must be equipped with evidence-based strategies that promote social and emotional growth,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “By investing in teacher development, the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act lays a strong foundation for student success.”
“As a mom of two young kids, I know how critical those early years are and that early childhood lays the groundwork for lifelong learning,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “As Trump continues to dismantle the services that support our families, it’s getting even harder – and more expensive – for regular people to access high-quality child care. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation to bolster our child care workforce and put our kids on the path to thrive long-term.”
Specifically, the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would modify Title II of the Higher Education Act by mandating that school leadership programs receiving federal Teacher Quality Partnership grants incorporate training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children from birth to age eight. Companion legislation has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). Bill text is available here.
The legislation has the endorsement of the Association of Educational Services Agencies (AESA), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), School Superintendents Association, The Early Care & Education Consortium, The Education Trust, and ZERO TO THREE.
Congresswoman Hayes continues to be a strong proponent of early childhood initiatives. The Congresswoman led 188 Members of Congress in requesting $14.27 billion for the Head Start Program. Additionally, Congresswoman Hayes introduced the Preparing and Resourcing Our Student Parents and Early Childhood Teachers (PROSPECT) Act. This legislation aims to improve access to affordable, quality infant and toddler child care for student parents.