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 March 20, 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.
