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.
Require school leadership programs receiving federal Teacher Quality Partnership grants to include training in early childhood development and instructional leadership for children from birth to age eight.
Occurrences
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 children’s social and emotional growth, age-appropriate behavioral support
introduced the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act of 2026
"I'm proud to introduce this legislation to bolster our child care workforce and put our kids on the path to thrive long-term." The bill 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.
I’m proud to introduce this legislation to bolster our child care workforce and put our kids on the path to thrive long-term.
Evidence
Pettersen said she and Hayes introduced the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act of 2026. The office said the bill would require school leadership programs receiving Teacher Quality Partnership grants to include early childhood development and effective instructional leadership training for children from birth to age eight.
The House live bill tracker lists H.R. 8859, Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act, as introduced May 15, 2026 and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. No further action is shown on the tracker.
Assessments
Pettersen materially attempted the promise by introducing the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act in May 2026, with language matching the promised Teacher Quality Partnership grant requirement. But the evidence shows the bill was only introduced and referred to committee, with no enactment or implemented federal requirement as of July 1, 2026. Because the promised policy outcome has not been delivered, this is a failed delivery with a serious legislative effort.
Pettersen introduced the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act of 2026, and the bill language appears to match the promised requirement for Teacher Quality Partnership-funded school leadership programs. However, the evidence shows only introduction and referral to committee in the 119th Congress, with no enactment or implementation. Because this is a serious legislative attempt that has not delivered the promised federal requirement, it counts as not fulfilled with an effort badge.