Mental health

The Head Start Act is amended— (1) by redesignating sections 649 and 650 (42 U.S.C. 9844 and 9846) as sections 650 and 651, respectively; and (2) by inserting after section 648A the following: 649. Mental health (a) References In this section, a reference to a Head Start program includes an Early Head Start program and a reference to a Head Start agency includes an Early Head Start agency. (b) In general The Secretary, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, shall ensure each Head Start agency supports the mental health and well-being of the staff of, and parents and children served by, the Head Start program of the agency. (c) Requirements In order to carry out subsection (b), each Head Start agency shall— (1) support adult mental health and well-being, including engaging families in responsive relationships, in home visiting services, and promoting staff health and wellness; (2) encourage positive learning environments for all children, particularly children with disabilities, children who are developing English proficiency, and infants and toddlers; (3) provide adequate mental health screening for all children participating in such programs and mental health consultation services, including— (A) appropriate follow-up and referrals; and (B) information for parents to access services to address potential mental health concerns; (4) facilitate access to a mental health consultant that is trained on evidence-based strategies to prevent, identify, and support children with mental health and social and emotional concerns; (5) ensure all lead teachers receive training on infant and early childhood mental health; (6) promote multitiered systems of support, such as positive behavioral interventions and supports and trauma-informed care; and (7) support staff wellness breaks that— (A) considers the number of hours in a shift and the availability of qualified teaching staff; (B) ensures the safety of children; and (C) as applicable, complies with State laws or regulations that are more restrictive. (d) Community partnerships A Head Start agency may establish a partnership with community-based services and resource personnel, such as behavior coaches, psychologists, and other appropriate specialists, to facilitate access to additional mental health resources and services as needed under this section. (e) Applicability; exception (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the requirements of this section shall apply to all Head Start agencies, and all Head Start programs, receiving assistance under this subchapter. (2) Exception (A) Native American Head Start agencies Except as provided in subparagraph (B), this section shall not apply to Head Start programs operated by Native American Head Start agencies. (B) Supporting culturally responsive mental health and well-being A Native American Head Start agency receiving assistance under this subchapter shall, working with members of Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities (as applicable), establish practices that— (i) support the mental health and well-being of Head Start staff and children served by the Native American Head Start program; and (ii) are linguistically and culturally responsive and appropriate..