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-.06 - Child Care Development Fund Grant (CCDF)

(1) General Scope and Purpose: Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is designated by legislation and by the Governor, as the lead agency for administrating the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) at the state level. The funds are used to increase the accessibility, affordability and quality of early childhood education and school-age child care for Georgia's children and families. The focus is on providing child care assistance to low income families and increasing and sustaining quality early childhood education programs for all families.

(2) General Terms and Conditions: All grantees and/or contractees are required to operate in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the following documents: The Child Care Resource and Referral Handbook the Department of Early Care and Learning contract and/or grant requirements, all federal regulations covering CCDF funding, and any other state and/or federal state statutes and regulations.

(3) Funding: Grant and/or contract funds must be spent within one year. A cost-reimbursement grant and/or contract must be based on an agreed upon budget that is in effect. All grantees and/or contractees are monitored based upon meeting the goals and objectives in their grant and/or contract and must spend the allocated funds to meet the specified goals and objectives. Grantees and/or contractees must submit monthly expenditure and programmatic reports to the Department..

(4) Eligible Recipients: Child care learning centers, school-age 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 child care in Georgia are eligible. These programs and agencies may be non-profit, for-profit, faith-based, public or government.

(5) Application Process: Request for Proposals (RFPs) are distributed statewide identifying areas of targeted need in regards to improving quality, affordability and or accessibility. Proposals received are reviewed and rated through a competitive selection process put in place by the Department. Grantees and/or contractees are required to attend an orientation to review the requirements of the grants and/or contracts.

(6) Approximate Time to Apply: When funding is available, RFPs are posted on the departments' web site at www.decal.ga.gov or posted on the Department of Administrative Services Team Georgia Marketplace web site at www.doas.ga.gov.

(7) Criteria for Grant Award: Grantees and/or contractees are selected based on criteria put in place by the Department that address population, need, sustainability, indicators, outcomes, and cost effectiveness.

(8) Calculation of Payments: Cost reimbursement payments.

(9) Length of Award: Grants and/or contracts are awarded for a one-year period. The RFP will stipulate if there is a potential renewal option for an additional one-year period. Renewal options may be exercised at the sole discretion of the State and are contingent on performance in meeting the grant and/or contract deliverables.

(10) Authority: O.C.G.A. Chapter 20-1A, and Public Law 104-193, Title VI.