Transforming Pediatrics for Early Childhood (TPEC) Program

The Transforming Pediatrics for Early Childhood Program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. This program builds on federal efforts to strengthen early childhood systems and improve pediatric primary care delivery across the United States. It is designed to align with national priorities focused on preventing chronic disease early in life and promoting healthy development for young children, particularly those from underserved populations. The purpose of the program is to transform pediatric primary care by embedding early childhood development experts within pediatric practices. These experts work alongside healthcare providers to deliver team-based care that addresses not only physical health but also developmental, behavioral, and social determinants of health. The program emphasizes screening for mental health, housing, nutrition, and developmental needs, while also strengthening relationships between caregivers and children and ensuring families receive appropriate referrals and follow-up services. Funding supports organizations with statewide or tribal reach that can implement this model at scale. Awardees are expected to place early childhood development experts in pediatric practices serving a high proportion of Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program populations or uninsured families. In addition to direct service delivery, recipients must provide training to pediatric primary care staff and improve statewide administrative policies and financing strategies to sustain and expand team-based care models. Funds must be used in accordance with federal cost principles and cannot be used for unallowable activities or profit generation. Eligibility is broad and includes domestic public and private entities such as state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, tribal governments and organizations, and for-profit entities, although individuals are not eligible. Only one non-tribal entity per state or jurisdiction may receive an award, while tribal organizations may apply regardless of geography. There is no cost-sharing requirement for this program, although voluntary cost sharing may be reported and becomes binding if included. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and require completion of standard federal forms along with a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, and multiple attachments such as work plans, staffing plans, organizational charts, and partnership agreements. The project narrative must address core program activities, including placement of experts, workforce development, and policy improvement, as well as performance measurement and sustainability planning. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including need, response, evaluation approach, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The application deadline is July 10, 2026, with awards expected to be issued by September 30, 2026, which also serves as the project start date. The period of performance is five years, consisting of five 12-month budget periods ending September 29, 2031. Awardees are required to submit annual performance reports and participate in continuous quality improvement activities. Questions regarding the program may be directed to the Maternal and Child Health Bureau via email at HomeVisiting@hrsa.gov or by phone at 301-443-1440. The program is not explicitly described as recurring but builds upon prior funding cycles, suggesting potential future continuation subject to appropriations.

Align proposal with evaluation criteria emphasizing measurable outcomes, strong partnerships, and sustainability; clearly demonstrate statewide impact and readiness; ensure compliance with all federal requirements