Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 591 - RULES OF BRIGHT FROM THE START GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CARE AND LEARNING › Chapter 591-2 › Subject 591-2-1 - GRANT DESCRIPTIONS › Rule 591-2-1-.07 - Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge Grant

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1)
General Scope and Purpose:
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is designated by the Governor
				as the state lead agency to administer the federal Race to the Top - Early
				Learning Challenge Grant. Jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Education
				and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Race to the Top Early
				Learning Challenge Grant (CFDA Number 84.412A) was awarded to Georgia through a
				competitive grant process. The purpose of the Race to the Top - Early Learning
				Challenge program is to improve the quality of early learning and development
				and close the educational gaps for children with high needs. This program
				focuses on improving early learning and development for young children by
				supporting states' efforts to increase the number of low-income and
				disadvantaged children in each age group of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
				who are enrolled in high-quality early learning and development programs. The
				program also supports states' efforts to design and implement an integrated
				system of high-quality early learning and development programs and
				services.
(2)
General Terms
				and Conditions:
As stipulated in the grant application, the state will
				complete projects and activities to meet the established goals. There are
				several projects which include the provision of grants for eligible recipients.
				Grantees are required to operate in accordance with the policies and procedures
				outlined in the following documents: the Department of Early Care and Learning
				contract requirements, all of the terms of the Race to the Top-Early Learning
				Challenge Grant; applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including
				laws and regulations applicable to the Race to the Top - Early Learning
				Challenge program; the applicable provisions of EDGAR (
				34 CFR Parts
				75,
				77,
				79,
				80,
				82,
				84,
				86,
				97,
				98, and
				99); the suspension and debarment
				regulations in 2 CFR Part
				3485; the Child Care and Development Fund
				State Plan for Georgia; the Childcare and Parent Services Policy Manual, and
				the Grantee's Handbook. Contracts with grantees are based on an agreed upon
				budget. Grant funds must be spent within the specified time period. All
				grantees are monitored based upon meeting the goals and objectives in their
				contract and spending the allocated funds to meet the specified goals and
				objectives. Grantees must submit periodic expenditure and programmatic reports
				to the Department.
(3)
Eligible Recipients:
Child care learning centers, Georgia's Pre-K
				programs, family day care homes, group day care homes, child care resource
				& referral agencies, and organizations and/or individuals with a quality
				initiative that will improve the quality, affordability, and/or accessibility
				of early childhood education in Georgia are eligible. These programs and
				agencies may be non-profit, for-profit, faith-based, public or
				government.
(4)
Application
				Process:
Request for Proposals (RFPs) are distributed identifying areas
				of targeted need in regards to improving quality, affordability or
				accessibility. Proposals received are reviewed and rated through a selections
				process put in place by the Department.
(5)
Approximate Time to Apply:
When funding is available, RFPs are posted on the web site
www.decal.ga.gov
or posted on the
				Department of Administrative Services Team Georgia Marketplace web
				site.
(6)
Criteria for Grant
				Award:
Grantees are selected based on criteria established by the
				Department that address population, need, sustainability, indicators and
				outcomes, and cost effectiveness.
(7)
Calculation of Payments:
Cost reimbursement payments.
(8)
Length of Award:
Contracts are awarded for a one-year period. The
				RFP stipulates if there is a potential renewal option for an additional
				one-year period(s). Renewal options may be exercised at the sole discretion of
				the State and are contingent on performance in meeting the contract
				deliverables.
(9)
Authority:
O.C.G.A. Chapter 20-1A and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
				2009,
				 P.L. 111-5., as amended.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  28-5-122.