,,ii ,calendar ,no4 #dbg #aacth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #bdeb ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,june #aj1 #bjad ,mr4 ,harkin1 from the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions1 reported the following original bill2 which was read twice and placed on the calendar ,a ,,bill ,to support early learning4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,strong ,start for ,america's ,children ,act4 #b4 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #b4 ,table of contents4 ,,title ,i--,prekindergarten ,access ,subtitle ,a--,access to voluntary prekindergarten for low- and moderate-,income families ,sec4 #aaa4 ,purposes4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #aac4 ,program authorization4 ,sec4 #aad4 ,allotments and reservation of funds4 ,sec4 #aae4 ,state eligibility criteria4 ,sec4 #aaf4 ,state applications4 ,sec4 #aag4 ,state use of funds4 ,sec4 #aah4 ,performance measures and targets4 ,sec4 #aai4 ,matching requirements4 ,sec4 #abj4 ,eligible local entity applications4 ,sec4 #aba4 ,required subgrant activities4 ,sec4 #abb4 ,report and evaluation4 ,sec4 #abc4 ,prohibition of required participation or use of funds for assessments4 ,sec4 #abd4 ,coordination with ,head ,start programs4 ,sec4 #abe4 ,technical assistance in program administration4 ,sec4 #abf4 ,rule of construction4 ,sec4 #abg4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,subtitle ,b--,prekindergarten development grants ,sec4 #aea4 ,prekindergarten development grants4 ,,title ,,ii--,learning quality partnerships ,sec4 #bja4 ,purposes4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,early learning quality partnerships4 ,,title ,,iii--,maternal1 ,infant1 and ,early ,childhood ,home ,visiting program ,sec4 #cja4 ,sense of ,senate4 ,i ,prekindergarten ,access ,a ,access to voluntary prekindergarten for low- and moderate-income families #aaa4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this subtitle are to-- 7#a7 establish a ,federal-,state partnership to provide access to high-quality public prekindergarten programs for all children from low-income and moderate-income families to ensure that the children enter kindergarten prepared for success2 7#b7 broaden participation in such programs to include children from additional middle-class families2 and 7#c7 promote access to full-day kindergarten1 and high-quality early childhood education programs and settings for children4 #aab4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,child with a disability ,the term child with a disability has the meaning-- 7,a7 given the term in section #fjb of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adja72 and 7,b7 given the term infant or toddler with a disability in section #fcb of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adcb74 7#b7 ,comprehensive early learning assessment system ,the term comprehensive early learning assessment system-- 7,a7 means a coordinated and comprehensive system of multiple assessments1 each of which is valid and reliable for its specified purpose and for the population with which it will be used1 that organizes information about the process and context of young children's learning and development in order to help early childhood educators make informed instructional and programmatic decisions and that conforms to the recommendations of the ,national ,research ,council reports on early childhood2 and 7,b7 includes1 at a minimum-- 7i7 child screening measures to identify children who may need follow-up services to address developmental1 learning1 or health needs in1 at a minimum1 areas of physical health1 behavioral health1 oral health1 child development1 vision1 and hearing2 7ii7 child formative assessments2 7iii7 measures of environmental quality2 and 7iv7 measures of the quality of adult-child interactions4 7#c7 ,dual language learner ,the term dual language learner means an individual who is limited ,english proficient as defined in section #fcg of the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihcb74 7#d7 ,early childhood education program ,the term early childhood education program has the meaning given the term in section #ajc of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjc74 7#e7 ,elementary school ,the term elementary school has the meaning given the term in section #iaja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#f7 ,eligible local entity ,the term eligible local entity means-- 7,a7 a local educational agency1 including a charter school or a charter management organization that acts as a local educational agency1 or an educational service agency in partnership with a local educational agency2 7,b7 an entity 7including a ,head ,start program or licensed child care setting7 that carries out1 administers1 or supports an early childhood education program2 or 7,c7 a consortium of entities described under subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b74 7#g7 ,eligibility determination date ,the term eligibility determination date means the date used to determine eligibility for public elementary school in the community in which the eligible local entity involved is located4 7#h7 ,full-day ,the term full-day means a day that is-- 7,a7 equivalent to a full school day at the public elementary schools in the ,state2 and 7,b7 not less than #e hours a day4 7#i7 ,high-quality prekindergarten program ,the term high-quality prekindergarten program means a prekindergarten program supported by an eligible local entity that includes1 at a minimum1 the following elements based on nationally recognized standards3 7,a7 ,serves children who-- 7i7 are age #d or children who are age #c or #d1 by the eligibility determination date 7including children who turn age #e while attending the program72 or 7ii7 have attained the legal age for ,state-funded prekindergarten4 7,b7 ,requires high staff qualifications1 including a requirement that a prekindergarten teacher-- 7i7 has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field with coursework that demonstrates competence in early childhood education2 7ii7 7,i7 has a bachelor's degree in any field2 7,,ii7 has demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education through passage of a ,state-approved assessment in early childhood education2 7,,iii7 engages in ongoing professional development in early childhood education for not less than #b years2 and 7,,iv7 is enrolled in a ,state-approved educator preparation program in which the teacher receives ongoing training and support in early childhood education and is making progress toward the completion of the program in not more than #c years2 or 7iii7 has a bachelor's degree in any field with a credential1 license1 or endorsement that demonstrates competence in early childhood education4 7,c7 ,maintains a maximum class size of #bj children4 7,d7 ,maintains a child to instructional staff ratio that does not exceed #aj to #a4 7,e7 ,offers a full-day program4 7,f7 ,provides developmentally appropriate learning environments and evidence-based curricula that are aligned with the ,state's early learning and development standards4 7,g7 ,offers instructional staff salaries comparable to kindergarten through grade #ab teaching staff4 7,h7 ,provides for ongoing monitoring and program evaluation to ensure continuous improvement4 7,i7 ,offers accessible comprehensive services for children that-- 7i7 include1 at a minimum-- 7,i7 screenings for vision1 dental1 health 7including mental health71 and development and referrals1 and assistance obtaining services1 when appropriate2 7,,ii7 family engagement opportunities 7taking into account home language71 such as parent conferences 7including parent input about their child's development7 and support services1 such as parent education and family literacy services2 7,,iii7 nutrition services1 including nutritious meals and snack options aligned with requirements set by the most recent ,child and ,adult ,care ,food ,program guidelines promulgated by the ,department of ,agriculture as well as regular1 age-appropriate1 nutrition education for children and their families2 7,,iv7 programs coordinated with local educational agencies and entities providing programs authorized under section #fai and part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adai and #adca et seq472 7,v7 physical activity programs aligned with evidence-based guidelines1 such as those recommended by the ,institute of ,medicine1 and that take into account and accommodate children with disabilities2 and 7,,vi7 additional support services1 as appropriate1 based on the findings of the needs analysis as described in section #abj2 and 7ii7 are provided on-site1 to the maximum extent feasible4 7,j7 ,provides high-quality professional development for staff1 including regular in-class observation for teachers and teacher assistants by individuals trained in observation and which may include evidence-based coaching4 7,k7 ,meets the education performance standards in effect under section #fda;,a7a77#a77;,b7 of the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihcf;a7a77#a77;,b774 7,l7 ,maintains evidence-based health and safety standards4 7#aj7 ,homeless child ,the term homeless child means a child or youth described in section #gbe7b7 of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aadcd;a7#b774 7#aa7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb74 7#ab7 ,local educational agency ,the term local educational agency has the meaning given the term in section #iaja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#ac7 ,outlying area ,the term outlying area means each of the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and the ,republic of ,palau4 7#ad7 ,poverty line ,the term poverty line means the official poverty line 7as defined by the ,office of ,management and ,budget7-- 7,a7 adjusted to reflect the percentage change in the ,consumer ,price ,index for all consumers1 issued by the ,bureau of ,labor ,statistics1 occurring in the #a-year period or other interval immediately preceding the date such adjustment is made2 and 7,b7 adjusted for family size4 7#ae7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,education4 7#af7 ,state ,except as otherwise provided in this subtitle1 the term ,state means each of the #ej ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 and each of the outlying areas4 7#ag7 ,state advisory council on early childhood education and care ,the term ,state ,advisory ,council on ,early ,childhood ,education and ,care means the ,state ,advisory ,council on ,early ,childhood ,education and ,care designated or established under section #fdb;,b7b7 of the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihcg;b7b774 #aac4 ,program authorization 7a7 ,in general ,from amounts made available to carry out this subtitle1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 shall award grants to ,states to implement high-quality prekindergarten programs1 consistent with the purposes of this subtitle4 ,for each fiscal year1 the funds provided under the grant shall equal the allotment determined for the ,state under section #aad4 7b7 ,prekindergarten for #c-year olds 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state that certifies to the ,secretary that it provides access to universally available1 voluntary1 high-quality prekindergarten programs for #d-year old children who reside within the ,state and are from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line1 may use the ,state's allotment under section #aad7;b7 to provide high-quality prekindergarten programs for #c-year old children who reside within the ,state and are from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line4 7#b7 ,subgrants ,in each ,state that has a city1 county1 or local educational agency that provides universally available1 voluntary1 high-quality prekindergarten programs for #d-year old children who reside within the ,state and are from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line1 the ,state may use amounts from the ,state's allotment under section #aad7;b7 to award subgrants to eligible local entities to enable such entities to provide high-quality prekindergarten programs for #c-year old children who are from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line and who reside in such city1 county1 or local educational agency without diminishing access for #d-year old children in other parts of the ,state4 #aad4 ,allotments and reservation of funds 7a7 ,reservation ,from the amount made available each fiscal year to carry out this subtitle1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 reserve not less than #a percent and not more than #b percent for payments to ,indian tribes and tribal organizations 7as such terms are defined under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihehn772 7#b7 reserve #a_/b of #a percent for the outlying areas to be distributed among the outlying areas on the basis of their relative need1 as determined by the ,secretary in accordance with the purposes of this subtitle2 7#c7 reserve not more than #a_/b of #a percent for eligible local entities that serve children in families who are engaged in migrant or seasonal agricultural labor2 and 7#d7 reserve not more than #a percent or #cj1jjj1jjj1 whichever amount is less1 for national activities1 including administration1 technical assistance1 and evaluation4 7b7 ,allotments 7#a7 ,in general ,from the amount made available each fiscal year to carry out this subtitle and not reserved under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall make allotments to ,states in accordance with paragraph 7#b7 that have submitted an approved application4 7#b7 ,allotment amount 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall allot the amount made available under paragraph 7#a7 for a fiscal year among the ,states in proportion to the number of children who are age #d who reside within the ,state and are from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line for the most recent fiscal year for which satisfactory data are available1 compared to the number of such children who reside in all such ,states for that fiscal year4 7,b7 ,minimum allotment amount ,no ,state receiving an allotment under subparagraph 7,a7 may receive less than #a_/b of #a percent of the total amount allotted under such subparagraph4 7#c7 ,reallotment and carry over 7,a7 ,in general ,if #a or more ,states does not receive an allotment under this subsection for any fiscal year1 the ,secretary may use the amount of the allotments for such ,state or ,states for either or both of the following1 in such amounts as the ,secretary determines appropriate3 7i7 ,to increase the allotments of ,states with approved applications1 consistent with subparagraph 7,b74 7ii7 ,to carry over the funds to the next fiscal year4 7,b7 ,reallotment ,from the total amount available under subparagraph 7,a77i71 if any1 the ,secretary shall allot to each ,state with an approved application an amount that bears the same relationship to that total amount1 as the amount the ,state received under paragraph 7#b7 for that fiscal year bears to the amount that all ,states with approved applications received under paragraph 7#b7 for that fiscal year4 7#d7 ,state ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term ,state means each of the #ej ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico4 7c7 ,flexibility ,the ,secretary may make minimal adjustments to allotments under this subsection1 which shall neither lead to a significant increase or decrease in a ,state's allotment determined under subsection 7b71 based on a set of factors1 such as the level of program participation and the estimated cost of the activities specified in the ,state plan4 7d7 ,applications for reserved funds ,a tribe1 tribal organization1 outlying area1 or entity for which the ,secretary reserves funds under subsection 7a7 and that desires to receive such funds shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing or accompanied by such information as the ,secretary may reasonably require1 including a description of how such tribe1 organization1 area1 or entity will carry out the purposes of this subtitle4 #aae4 ,state eligibility criteria ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this subtitle if the ,state demonstrates that the ,state-- 7#a7 has established1 or will establish1 early learning and development standards that describe what children from birth to kindergarten entry should know and be able to do1 are universally designed and developmentally1 culturally1 and linguistically appropriate1 are aligned with the ,state's challenging academic content standards and challenging student academic achievement standards1 as adopted under section #aaaa7;b77#a7 of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #fcaa7;b77#a771 and cover all of the essential domains of school readiness1 which address-- 7,a7 physical well-being and motor development2 7,b7 social and emotional development2 7,c7 approaches to learning1 including creative arts expression2 7,d7 developmentally appropriate oral and written language and literacy development2 and 7,e7 cognition and general knowledge1 including early mathematics and early scientific development2 7#b7 has the ability1 or will develop the ability1 to link prekindergarten data with its elementary school and secondary school data for the purpose of collecting longitudinal information1 including through the use of a unique ,state-assigned student identifier number1 for all children participating in the ,state's high-quality prekindergarten program and any other federally funded early childhood program2 7#c7 offers kindergarten for children who are eligible children for that service in the ,state2 and 7#d7 has established or designated1 or will establish or designate1 a ,state ,advisory ,council on ,early ,childhood ,education and ,care4 #aaf4 ,state applications 7a7 ,in general ,the ,governor1 or chief executive officer1 of a ,state that desires to receive a grant under this subtitle shall submit an application1 in consultation with ,indian tribes and tribal organizations 7as such terms are defined under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihehn771 if there are ,indian tribes and tribal organizations in the ,state1 to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may reasonably require4 ,at a minimum1 each such application shall include-- 7#a7 an assurance that the ,state-- 7,a7 will coordinate with and continue to participate in the programs authorized under section #fai and part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adai and #adca et seq471 the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq471 and the maternal1 infant1 and early childhood home visiting programs funded under section #eaa of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gaa7 for the duration of the grant2 7,b7 will designate a ,state-level entity1 selected by the ,governor or chief executive officer of the ,state1 such as an agency or joint interagency office1 for the administration of the grant1 which shall coordinate and consult with the ,state educational agency if the entity is not the ,state educational agency2 and 7,c7 will establish1 or certify the existence of1 program standards for all ,state prekindergarten programs consistent with the definition of a high-quality prekindergarten program under section #aab2 and 7#b7 a description of-- 7,a7 how the ,state will use funds received under this subtitle and the ,state's matching funds to provide high-quality prekindergarten programs with open enrollment for all children in the ,state who-- 7i7 are described in section #aab7i77;,a72 and 7ii7 are from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line2 7,b7 how the ,state plans to develop or enhance a system for monitoring eligible local entities that are receiving funds under this subtitle for compliance with quality standards developed by the ,state and to provide program improvement support1 which may be accomplished through the use of a ,state-developed system for quality rating and improvement2 7,c7 the ,state's plan1 if applicable1 to expand participation in the ,state's high-quality prekindergarten programs to children from families with incomes above #bjj percent of the poverty line2 7,d7 the ,state's comprehensive early learning assessment system1 or how the ,state plans to develop such a system1 ensuring that any assessments are age-appropriate1 as well as culturally and developmentally appropriate and1 consistent with the recommendations from the study on ,developmental ,outcomes and ,assessments for ,young ,children by the ,national ,academy of ,sciences1 consistent with section #fdi7;j7 of the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihdd7;j772 7,e7 the ,state's plan to develop1 implement1 and make publicly available the measures and targets described in section #aah2 7,f7 the ,state's plan to increase the number of teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education1 or with bachelor's degrees in another closely related field and specialized training and demonstrated competency in early childhood education1 including how higher education will support increasing the number of teachers with such degrees and training1 including through the use of assessments of prior learning1 knowledge1 and skills to facilitate and expedite attainment of such degrees2 7,g7 how activities funded under this subtitle will be coordinated and integrated with ,federal1 ,state1 and local services and programs that support early childhood education and care1 including programs supported under this subtitle1 the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #fcja et seq471 the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adjj et seq471 the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq471 the ,community ,services ,block ,grant ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iija et seq471 the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq471 the temporary assistance for needy families program under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq471 the ,state incentive grant program under section #adjjf of the ,american ,recovery and ,reinvestment ,act of #bjji 7,public ,law #aaa-e71 ,federally funded early literacy programs1 the maternal1 infant1 and early childhood home visiting programs funded under section #eaa of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gaa71 health improvements to child care funded under title ,,xix of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif et seq471 the program under subtitle ,b of title ,,vii of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,s4 #aadca et seq471 the ,investing ,in ,innovation program under section #adjjg of the ,american ,recovery and ,reinvestment ,act of #bjji 7,public ,law #aaa-e71 programs authorized under part ,e of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgj et seq471 programs amended by the ,fostering ,connections to ,success and ,increasing ,adoptions ,act of #bjjh 7,public ,law #aaj-cea71 and any other ,federal1 ,state1 or local early childhood education programs used in the ,state2 7,h7 how the ,state will award subgrants to eligible local entities1 and in awarding such subgrants1 will facilitate a delivery system of high-quality prekindergarten programs that includes diverse providers1 such as providers in community-based1 public school1 and private settings1 and will expand options for families2 7,i7 if the ,state does not have a funding mechanism for subgranting funds to implement high-quality prekindergarten programs1 how the ,state will use objective criteria in awarding subgrants to eligible local entities that will implement high-quality prekindergarten programs1 including actions the ,state will take to ensure that eligible local entities will coordinate with local educational agencies or other early learning providers1 as appropriate1 to carry out activities to provide children served under this subtitle with a successful transition from preschool into kindergarten1 which activities shall include-- 7i7 aligning curricular objectives and instruction2 7ii7 providing staff professional development1 including opportunities for joint-professional development on early learning and kindergarten through grade #c standards1 assessments1 and curricula2 7iii7 coordinating family engagement and support services2 and 7iv7 encouraging the shared use of facilities and transportation1 as appropriate2 7,j7 how the ,state early learning and development standards described under section #aae7a7 will address the needs of dual language learners1 including by incorporating benchmarks related to ,english language development2 7,k7 the process by which the ,state will identify barriers in the ,state1 and propose solutions to overcome such barriers 7which may include seeking assistance under section #abe71 to effectively use and integrate ,federal1 ,state1 and local public funds and private funds for early childhood education that are available to the ,state on the date on which the application is submitted2 7,l7 the ,state's plan to support articulation agreements among public #b-year and public #d-year institutions of higher education and other credit-bearing professional development entities in the ,state for early childhood teacher preparation programs and closely related fields2 7,m7 an inventory of the ,state's higher education programs that prepare individuals for work in a high-quality prekindergarten program1 including-- 7i7 certification programs2 7ii7 associate degree programs2 7iii7 baccalaureate degree programs2 7iv7 master's degree programs2 and 7v7 other programs that lead to a specialization in early childhood education1 or a closely related field2 7,n7 the ,state's plan for ensuring that the higher education programs in the ,state have the capacity to prepare a workforce to provide high-quality prekindergarten programs2 7,o7 the ,state's plan for supporting workforce development1 including ,state and local policies that support prekindergarten instructional staff's ability to earn a degree1 certification1 or other specializations or qualifications1 including policies on leave1 substitutes1 and child care services1 including nontraditional hour child care2 7,p7 the ,state's plan for holding eligible local entities accountable for use of funds2 7,q7 the ,state's process to ensure that the ,state's early learning and development standards are integrated into the instructional and programmatic practices of high-quality prekindergarten programs and related programs and services1 such as those provided to children under section #fai and part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adai and #adca et seq472 7,r7 if the ,state funds full-day kindergarten programs1 but such full-day kindergarten programs are not available to all children who are eligible to attend such programs in the ,state1 how the ,state plans to increase the number of children in the ,state who are enrolled in full-day kindergarten programs and to provide a strategy to implement such a plan2 7,s7 if the ,state does not fund full-day kindergarten programs1 a description of how the ,state plans to establish such programs to strengthen the educational continuum for children who will be involved in the ,state's high-quality prekindergarten program supported through grants authorized under this subtitle2 7,t7 how the ,state will encourage eligible local entities to coordinate with community-based learning resources1 if available1 such as libraries1 arts and arts education programs1 appropriate media programs1 family literacy programs1 public parks and recreation programs1 museums1 nutrition education programs1 and programs supported by the ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service2 7,u7 how the ,state will work with eligible local entities1 in consultation with elementary school principals1 to ensure that high-quality prekindergarten programs have sufficient and appropriate facilities to meet the needs of children eligible for prekindergarten2 7,v7 how the ,state will support local early childhood coordinating entities1 such as local early childhood councils and entities administering shared services networks or models1 if applicable1 and help such entities to coordinate early childhood education programs with high-quality prekindergarten programs to ensure effective and efficient delivery of early childhood education program services2 7,w7 how the ,state will ensure that the provision of high-quality prekindergarten programs will not lead to a diminution in the quality or supply of services for infants and toddlers or disrupt the care of infants and toddlers in the geographic area served by the eligible local entity1 which may include demonstrating that the ,state will direct funds to provide high-quality early childhood education and care to infants and toddlers in accordance with section #aag7;d72 7,x7 how the ,state will ensure that all high-quality prekindergarten programs the ,state supports under this ,act will conduct criminal history background checks on employees and applicants for employment with direct access to children2 and 7,y7 how the ,state will provide technical assistance in rural communities to address unique barriers to the implementation of high-quality prekindergarten programs in rural areas4 7b7 ,criminal history background checks 7#a7 ,in general ,the criminal history background checks required under subsection 7a77#b77,y7 shall include-- 7,a7 a search of the ,state criminal registry or repository in the ,state in which the employee resides and previously resided2 7,b7 a search of the ,state-based child abuse and neglect registries and databases in the ,state in which the employee resides and previously resided2 7,c7 a ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation fingerprint check using the ,integrated ,automated ,fingerprint ,identification ,system2 and 7,d7 a search of the ,national ,sex ,offender ,registry established under section #aai of the ,adam ,walsh ,child ,protection and ,safety ,act of #bjjf 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afiai74 7#b7 ,prohibition of employment ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this subtitle1 a ,state shall prohibit an individual with direct access to children from employment with a program supported with grant funds under this subtitle if the individual has been convicted of a violent felony or any violent or sexual crime against a minor1 as defined by the ,state4 7#c7 ,updated checks ,the criminal history background check that employees undergo as required under subsection 7a77#b77,y7 shall be periodically repeated or updated in accordance with ,state law4 7#d7 ,appeal process ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this subtitle1 a ,state shall provide an individual with a timely process by which to-- 7,a7 appeal the results of a criminal history background check conducted under this section to challenge the accuracy or completeness of the information produced by such background check2 and 7,b7 seek appropriate relief for any final employment decision based on materially inaccurate or incomplete information produced by such background check4 7c7 ,development of application ,in developing an application for a grant under this subtitle1 a ,state shall consult with the ,state ,advisory ,council on ,early ,childhood ,education and ,care and incorporate such ,council's recommendations1 where applicable4 7d7 ,construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or otherwise affect the rights1 remedies1 and procedures afforded school employees1 school district employees1 and the employees of early childhood education programs under ,federal1 ,state1 or local laws 7including applicable regulations or court orders7 or under the terms of collective bargaining agreements1 memoranda of understanding1 or other agreements between such employees and their employers4 #aag4 ,state use of funds 7a7 ,reservation for quality improvement activities 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state that receives a grant under this subtitle may reserve1 for not more than the first #d years such ,state receives such a grant1 not more than #bj percent of the grant funds for quality improvement activities that support the elements of high-quality prekindergarten programs or the activities described in section #aaf7;a77#b74 ,such quality improvement activities may include-- 7,a7 supporting teachers1 principals1 and center directors1 in a ,state's high-quality prekindergarten program1 licensed or regulated child care1 or ,head ,start programs to enable such teachers or directors to earn a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education1 or a closely related field1 through activities which may include expanding or establishing scholarships1 counseling1 and compensation initiatives to cover the cost of tuition1 fees1 materials1 transportation1 and release time for such teachers2 7,b7 providing ongoing professional development opportunities1 including regular in-class observation by individuals trained in observation and evidence-based coaching or mentoring1 for such teachers1 directors1 and principals1 if applicable1 and teacher assistants to enable such teachers1 directors1 and principals1 if applicable1 and teacher assistants to carry out the elements of high-quality prekindergarten programs1 which may include activities that address-- 7i7 promoting children's development across all of the essential domains of early learning and development2 7ii7 developmentally appropriate curricula and teacher-child interaction2 7iii7 effective family engagement2 7iv7 providing culturally competent instruction2 7v7 working with a diversity of children and families1 including children with special needs and dual language learners2 7vi7 childhood nutrition and physical education programs2 7vii7 social and emotional development2 and 7viii7 incorporating age-appropriate strategies of positive behavioral interventions and supports2 and 7,c7 providing families with increased opportunities to learn how best to support their children's physical1 cognitive1 social1 and emotional development during the first #e years of life4 7#b7 ,not subject to matching ,the amount reserved under paragraph 7#a7 shall not be subject to the matching requirements under section #aai4 7#c7 ,coordination ,a ,state that reserves an amount under paragraph 7#a7 shall coordinate the use of such amount with activities funded under section #feh;,g of the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh;e7 and the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq474 7#d7 ,construction ,a ,state may not use funds reserved under this subsection to meet the requirement described in section #aab7i77;,g74 7b7 ,subgrants for high-quality prekindergarten programs ,a ,state that receives a grant under this subtitle shall award subgrants of sufficient size to eligible local entities to enable such eligible local entities to implement high-quality prekindergarten programs for children described in section #aab7i77;,a7 who reside within the ,state and are from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line4 7c7 ,administration ,a ,state that receives a grant under this subtitle may reserve not more than #a percent of the grant funds for administration of the grant1 and may use part of that reservation for the maintenance of the ,state ,advisory ,council on ,early ,childhood ,education and ,care4 7d7 ,early childhood education and care programs for infants and toddlers 7#a7 ,use of allotment for infants and toddlers ,an eligible ,state may apply to use1 and the appropriate ,secretary may grant permission for the ,state to use1 not more than #ae percent of the funds made available through a grant received under this subtitle to award subgrants to early childhood education programs to provide high-quality early childhood education and care1 consistent with the ,state's early learning and development guidelines for infants and toddlers1 to infants and toddlers who reside within the ,state and are from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line4 7#b7 ,application ,to be eligible to use the grant funds as described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,state shall submit an application to the appropriate ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 ,such application shall1 at a minimum1 include a description of how the ,state will-- 7,a7 designate a lead agency which shall administer such funds2 7,b7 ensure that such lead agency1 in coordination with the ,state ,advisory ,council on ,early ,childhood ,education and ,care1 will collaborate with other agencies in administering programs supported under this subsection for infants and toddlers in order to obtain input about the appropriate use of such funds and ensure coordination with programs for infants and toddlers funded under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq471 the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq47 7including any early learning quality partnerships established under section #fde;,b of the ,head ,start ,act71 the ,race to the ,top and ,early ,learning ,challenge program under section #adjjf of the ,american ,recovery and ,reinvestment ,act of #bjji 7,public ,law #aaa-e71 the maternal1 infant1 and early childhood home visiting programs funded under section #eaa of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gaa71 and part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq472 7,c7 ensure that infants and toddlers who benefit from amounts made available under this subsection will transition to and have the opportunity to participate in a high-quality prekindergarten program supported under this subtitle2 7,d7 in awarding subgrants1 give preference to early childhood education programs that have a plan to increase services to children with special needs1 including children with developmental delays or disabilities1 children who are dual language learners1 homeless children1 children who are in foster care1 children of migrant families1 children eligible for nutrition assistance under the ,united ,states ,department of ,agriculture's ,food and ,nutrition ,service1 or children in the child welfare system2 and 7,e7 give priority to activities carried out under this subsection that will increase access to high-quality early childhood education programs for infants and toddlers in local areas with significant concentrations of low-income families that do not currently benefit from such programs4 7#c7 ,eligible providers ,a ,state may use the grant funds as described in paragraph 7#a7 to serve infants and toddlers only by working with early childhood education program providers that-- 7,a7 offer full-day1 full-year care1 or otherwise meet the needs of working families2 and 7,b7 meet high-quality standards1 such as-- 7i7 ,early ,head ,start program performance standards under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq472 or 7ii7 high-quality1 demonstrated1 valid1 and reliable program standards that have been established through a national entity that accredits early childhood education programs4 7#d7 ,federal administration 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,education shall bear responsibility for obligating and disbursing funds to support activities under this subsection and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and administrative requirements1 subject to subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,interagency agreement ,the ,secretary of ,education and the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall jointly administer activities supported under this subsection on such terms as such ,secretaries shall set forth in an interagency agreement4 ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall be responsible for any final approval of a ,state's application under this subsection that addresses the use of funds designated for services to infants and toddlers4 7,c7 ,appropriate secretary ,in this subsection1 the term appropriate ,secretary1 when used with respect to a function1 means the ,secretary designated for that function under the interagency agreement4 #aah4 ,performance measures and targets 7a7 ,in general ,a ,state that receives a grant under this subtitle shall develop1 implement1 and make publicly available performance measures and targets for the activities carried out with grant funds4 ,such measures shall1 at a minimum1 track the ,state's progress in-- 7#a7 increasing school readiness across all domains for all categories of children described in section #abb7;b77#g71 including children with disabilities and dual language learners2 7#b7 narrowing school readiness gaps between minority and nonminority children1 and low-income children and more advantaged children1 in preparation for kindergarten entry2 7#c7 increasing developmental screening and appropriate referral under section #fai and part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adai and #adca et seq47 to identify children early who are eligible for services under such ,act2 7#d7 increasing the number of programs meeting the criteria for high-quality prekindergarten programs across all types of eligible local entities1 as defined by the ,state and in accordance with section #aab2 7#e7 decreasing the need for grade-to-grade retention in elementary school2 7#f7 if applicable1 ensuring that high-quality prekindergarten programs do not experience instances of chronic absence among the children who participate in such programs2 7#g7 increasing the number and percentage of low-income children in high-quality early childhood education programs that receive financial support through funds provided under this subtitle2 and 7#h7 providing high-quality nutrition services1 nutrition education1 physical activity1 and obesity prevention programs4 7b7 ,prohibition of misdiagnosis practices ,a ,state shall not1 in order to meet the performance measures and targets described in subsection 7a71 engage in practices or policies that will lead to the misdiagnosis or under-diagnosis of disabilities or developmental delays among children who are served through programs supported under this subtitle4 #aai4 ,matching requirements 7a7 ,matching funds 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 a ,state that receives a grant under this subtitle shall provide matching funds from non-,federal sources1 as described in subsection 7c71 in an amount equal to-- 7,a7 #aj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the first year of grant administration2 7,b7 #aj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the second year of grant administration2 7,c7 #bj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the third year of grant administration2 7,d7 #cj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the fourth year of grant administration2 7,e7 #dj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the fifth year of grant administration2 7,f7 #ej percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the sixth year of grant administration2 7,g7 #ge percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the seventh year of grant administration2 and 7,h7 #ajj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the eighth and all following years of grant administration4 7#b7 ,reduced match rate ,a ,state that meets the requirements under subsection 7b7 may provide matching funds from non-,federal sources at a reduced rate4 ,the full reduced matching funds rate shall be in an amount equal to-- 7,a7 #e percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the first year of grant administration2 7,b7 #e percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the second year of grant administration2 7,c7 #aj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the third year of grant administration2 7,d7 #bj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the fourth year of grant administration2 7,e7 #cj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the fifth year of grant administration2 7,f7 #dj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the sixth year of grant administration2 7,g7 #ej percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the seventh year of grant administration2 7,h7 #ge percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the eighth year of grant administration2 and 7,i7 #ajj percent of the ,federal funds provided under the grant in the ninth and following years of the grant administration4 7b7 ,reduced match rate eligibility ,a ,state that receives a grant under this subtitle may provide matching funds from non-,federal sources at the full reduced rate under subsection 7a77#b7 if the ,state1 across all publicly funded programs 7including locally funded programs7-- 7#a7 7,a7 offers enrollment in high-quality prekindergarten programs to not less than half of children in the ,state who are-- 7i7 age #d on the eligibility determination date2 and 7ii7 from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line2 and 7,b7 has a plan for continuing to expand access to high-quality prekindergarten programs for such children in the ,state2 and 7#b7 has a plan to expand access to high-quality prekindergarten programs to children from moderate income families with incomes above #bjj percent of the poverty line4 7c7 ,non-,federal ,resources 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state shall provide the matching funds under this section from non-,federal resources1 which may include ,state funding1 local funding1 or contributions from philanthropy or other private sources1 or a combination of such sources4 7#b7 ,funds to be considered as matching funds ,a ,state may include1 as part of the ,state's matching funds under this section1 not more than #aj percent of the amount of ,state or local funds designated for ,state or local public prekindergarten programs or to supplement ,head ,start programs under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq47 as of the date of enactment of this ,act1 but may not include any funds that are attributed as matching funds1 as part of a non-,federal share1 or as a maintenance of effort requirement1 for any other ,federal program4 7d7 ,maintenance of ,effort 7#a7 ,in general ,if a ,state reduces its combined fiscal effort per student or the aggregate expenditures within the ,state to support early childhood education programs for any fiscal year that a ,state receives a grant authorized under this subtitle relative to the previous fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall reduce support for such ,state under this subtitle by the same amount as the decline in ,state and local effort for such fiscal year4 7#b7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive the requirements of paragraph 7#a7 if the ,secretary determines that a waiver would be appropriate-- 7,a7 due to a precipitous decline in the financial resources of a ,state as a result of unforeseen economic hardship or a natural disaster that has necessitated across-the-board reductions in ,state services1 including early childhood education programs2 or 7,b7 due to the circumstances of a ,state requiring reductions in specific programs1 including early childhood education1 if the ,state presents to the ,secretary a justification and demonstration why other programs could not be reduced and how early childhood programs in the ,state will not be disproportionately harmed by such ,state action4 7e7 ,supplement not supplant ,grant funds received under this title shall be used to supplement and not supplant other ,federal1 ,state1 and local public funds expended on public prekindergarten programs in the ,state4 #abj4 ,eligible local entity applications 7a7 ,in general ,an eligible local entity desiring to receive a subgrant under section #aag7;b7 shall submit an application to the ,state1 at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,state may reasonably require4 7b7 ,contents ,each application submitted under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,parent and family engagement ,a description of how the eligible local entity plans to engage the parents and families of the children such entity serves and ensure that parents and families of eligible children1 as described in clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 of section #aaf7;a77#b77;,a71 are aware of the services provided by the eligible local entity1 which shall include a plan to-- 7,a7 carry out meaningful parent and family engagement1 through the implementation and replication of evidence-based or promising practices and strategies1 which shall be coordinated with parent and family engagement strategies supported under the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adjj et seq47 and part ,a of title ,i and title ,v of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #fcaa et seq4 and #gbja et seq471 if applicable1 in order to-- 7i7 provide parents and family members with the skills and opportunities necessary to become engaged and effective partners in their child's education1 particularly the families of dual language learners and children with disabilities1 which may include access to family literacy services2 7ii7 improve child development2 and 7iii7 strengthen relationships among prekindergarten staff and parents and family members2 and 7,b7 participate in community outreach to encourage families with eligible children to participate in the eligible local entity's high-quality prekindergarten program1 including-- 7i7 homeless children2 7ii7 dual language learners2 7iii7 children in foster care2 7iv7 children with disabilities2 and 7v7 migrant children4 7#b7 ,coordination alignment ,a description of how the eligible local entity will-- 7,a7 coordinate1 if applicable1 the eligible local entity's activities with-- 7i7 ,head ,start agencies 7consistent with section #fdb7;e77#e7 of the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihcg7;e77#e771 if the local entity is not a ,head ,start agency2 7ii7 local educational agencies1 if the local entity is not a local educational agency2 7iii7 providers of services under part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq472 7iv7 programs carried out under section #fai of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adai72 and 7v7 if feasible1 other entities carrying out early childhood education programs and services within the area served by the local educational agency2 7,b7 develop a process with local elementary schools to promote continuity of developmentally appropriate instructional programs and shared expectations for children's learning and development as children transition to kindergarten2 7,c7 organize1 if feasible1 and participate in joint training1 when available1 including transition-related training for school staff and early childhood education program staff2 7,d7 establish comprehensive transition policies and procedures with elementary school principals1 as applicable1 for children served by the eligible local entity that support the school readiness of children transitioning to kindergarten1 including the transfer of early childhood education program records with parental consent2 7,e7 conduct outreach to parents1 families1 and elementary school teachers and principals to discuss the educational1 developmental1 and other needs of children entering kindergarten2 7,f7 help parents1 including parents of children who are dual language learners1 understand and engage with the instructional and other services provided by the kindergarten in which such child will enroll after participation in a high-quality prekindergarten program2 and 7,g7 develop and implement a system to increase program participation of underserved populations of eligible children1 especially homeless children1 children eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agea et seq471 parents of children who are dual language learners1 and parents of children with disabilities4 7#c7 ,protections for special populations ,a description of how the eligible local entity will meet the diverse needs of children in the community to be served1 including children with disabilities1 children whose native language is not ,english1 children with other special needs1 children in the ,state foster care system1 and homeless children4 ,such description shall demonstrate1 at a minimum1 how the entity plans to-- 7,a7 ensure the eligible local entity's high-quality prekindergarten program is accessible and appropriate for children with disabilities and dual language learners2 7,b7 establish effective procedures for providing early developmental screening and appropriate referral to local agencies responsible for providing services under section #fai or part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adai and #adca et seq472 7,c7 establish effective procedures for timely referral of children with disabilities to the ,state or local agency described in subparagraph 7,b72 7,d7 ensure that the eligible local entity's high-quality prekindergarten program works with appropriate entities to address the elimination of barriers to immediate and continuous enrollment for homeless children2 and 7,e7 ensure access to and continuity of enrollment in high-quality prekindergarten programs for migratory children1 as defined under section #acji of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #fcii71 if applicable1 and homeless children1 including through policies and procedures that require-- 7i7 outreach to identify migratory and homeless children2 7ii7 immediate enrollment1 including enrollment during the period of time when documents typically required for enrollment1 including health and immunization records1 proof of eligibility1 and other documents1 are obtained2 7iii7 continuous enrollment and participation in the same high-quality prekindergarten program for a child1 even if the child moves out of the program's service area1 if that enrollment and participation are in the child's best interest1 including by providing transportation when necessary2 7iv7 professional development for high-quality prekindergarten program staff regarding migratory children and homelessness among families with young children2 and 7v7 in serving homeless children1 collaboration with local educational agency liaisons designated under section #gbb7;g77#a77;,j77ii7 of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aadcb7;g77#a77;,j77ii771 and local homeless service providers4 7#d7 ,comprehensive services ,a description of how the eligible local entity plans to provide comprehensive services1 as described in section #aab7i77;,i71 to the children the eligible local entity serves4 ,such description shall provide information on how the entity will-- 7,a7 use a recently conducted data-driven assessment or conduct a data-driven community assessment in coordination with members of the community1 including parents and community organizations1 which-- 7i7 may involve an external partner with expertise in conducting such needs analysis1 to determine the most appropriate social or other support services to offer through the eligible local entity's on-site comprehensive services to children who participate in high-quality prekindergarten programs2 and 7ii7 shall consider the resources available at the school1 local educational agency1 and community levels to address the needs of the community and improve child outcomes2 and 7,b7 have a coordinated system to facilitate the screening1 referral1 and provision of services related to health1 nutrition1 mental health1 disability1 and family support for children served by the eligible local entity4 7#e7 ,workforce ,a description of how the eligible local entity plans to support the instructional staff of such entity's high-quality prekindergarten program1 which shall1 at a minimum1 include a plan to provide high-quality professional development1 or facilitate the provision of high-quality professional development through an outside partner with expertise and a demonstrated track record of success1 based on scientifically valid research1 that will improve the knowledge and skills of high-quality prekindergarten teachers and staff through activities1 which may include-- 7,a7 acquiring content knowledge and learning teaching strategies needed to provide effective instruction that addresses the ,state's early learning and development standards described under section #aae7a71 including professional training to support the social and emotional development of children2 7,b7 enabling high-quality prekindergarten teachers and staff to pursue specialized training in early childhood development2 7,c7 enabling high-quality prekindergarten teachers and staff to acquire the knowledge and skills to provide instruction and appropriate language and support services to increase the ,english language skills of dual language learners2 7,d7 enabling high-quality prekindergarten teachers and staff to acquire the knowledge and skills to provide developmentally appropriate instruction for children with disabilities2 7,e7 promoting classroom management2 7,f7 providing high-quality induction and support for incoming teachers and staff serving high-quality prekindergarten programs1 including through the use of mentoring programs and coaching that have a demonstrated track record of success2 7,g7 promoting the acquisition of relevant credentials1 including in ways that support career advancement through career ladders2 and 7,h7 enabling high-quality prekindergarten teachers and staff to acquire the knowledge and skills to provide culturally competent instruction for children from diverse backgrounds4 #aba4 ,required subgrant activities 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible local entity that receives a subgrant under section #aag7;b7 shall use the subgrant funds to implement the elements of a high-quality prekindergarten program for the children described in section #aag7;b74 7#b7 ,teacher qualifications 7,a7 ,new prekindergarten teachers ,each eligible local entity that receives a subgrant under section #aag7;b7 shall ensure that all prekindergarten teachers hired after the date of receipt of such subgrant and working in a program supported with funds under such subgrant meet the requirements in section #aab7i77;,b74 7,b7 ,existing prekindergarten teachers ,each eligible local entity that receives a subgrant under section #aag7;b7 shall ensure that all prekindergarten teachers hired before the date of receipt of such subgrant and working in a program supported with funds under such subgrant meet the requirements in section #aab7i77;,b7 not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,coordination 7#a7 ,local educational agency partnerships with local early childhood education programs ,a local educational agency that receives a subgrant under this subtitle shall provide an assurance that the local educational agency will enter into strong partnerships with local early childhood education programs1 including programs supported through the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq474 7#b7 ,eligible local entities that are not local educational agencies ,an eligible local entity that is not a local educational agency that receives a subgrant under this subtitle shall provide an assurance that such entity will enter into strong partnerships with local educational agencies4 #abb4 ,report and evaluation 7a7 ,in general ,each ,state that receives a grant under this subtitle shall prepare an annual report1 in such manner and containing such information as the ,secretary may reasonably require4 7b7 ,contents ,a report prepared under subsection 7a7 shall contain1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 a description of the manner in which the ,state has used the funds made available through the grant and a report of the expenditures made with the funds2 7#b7 a summary of the ,state's progress toward providing access to high-quality prekindergarten programs for children eligible for such services1 as determined by the ,state1 from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line1 including the percentage of funds spent on children from families with incomes-- 7,a7 at or below #ajj percent of the poverty line2 7,b7 above #ajj percent and at or below #aej percent of the poverty line2 and 7,c7 above #aej percent and at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line2 7#c7 an evaluation of the ,state's progress toward achieving the ,state's performance targets1 described in section #aah2 7#d7 data on the number of high-quality prekindergarten program teachers and staff in the ,state who received training or education during the period of the grant and remained in the early childhood education program field1 including teacher turnover rates and teacher compensation levels compared to teachers in elementary schools and secondary schools1 according to the setting in which such teachers and staff work 7which settings shall include1 at a minimum1 ,head ,start programs1 public prekindergarten1 and child care programs72 7#e7 data on the kindergarten readiness of children in the ,state2 7#f7 a description of the ,state's progress in effectively using ,federal1 ,state1 and local public funds and private funds for early childhood education2 7#g7 the number and percentage of children in the ,state participating in high-quality prekindergarten programs1 disaggregated by race1 ethnicity1 family income1 child age1 disability1 whether the children are homeless children1 and whether the children are dual language learners2 7#h7 data on the availability1 affordability1 and quality of infant and toddler care in the ,state2 7#i7 the local educational agency and zip code in which each eligible local entity that receives a subgrant operates2 7#aj7 information1 for each of the local educational agencies described in paragraph 7#i71 on the percentage of the costs of the public early childhood education programs that is funded from ,federal1 from ,state1 and from local sources1 including the percentages from specific funding programs2 7#aa7 data on the number and percentage of children in the ,state participating in public kindergarten programs1 disaggregated by race1 family income1 child age1 disability1 whether the children are homeless children1 and whether the children are dual language learners1 with information on whether such programs are offered-- 7,a7 for a full day2 and 7,b7 at no cost to families2 7#ab7 data on the number of individuals in the ,state who are supported with scholarships1 if applicable1 to meet the baccalaureate degree requirement for high-quality prekindergarten programs1 as defined in section #aab2 and 7#ac7 if applicable1 data on the rates of expulsion1 suspension1 and similar disciplinary action1 of children in the ,state participating in high-quality prekindergarten programs1 disaggregated by race1 ethnicity1 family income1 child age1 and disability4 7c7 ,submission ,a ,state shall submit the annual report prepared under subsection 7a71 at the end of each fiscal year1 to the ,secretary1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 and the ,state ,advisory ,council on ,early ,childhood ,education and ,care4 7d7 ,cooperation ,an eligible local entity that receives a subgrant under this subtitle shall cooperate with all ,federal and ,state efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of the program the entity implements with subgrant funds4 7e7 ,national report ,the ,secretary shall compile and summarize the annual ,state reports described under subsection 7c7 and shall prepare and submit an annual report to ,congress that includes a summary of such ,state reports4 #abc4 ,prohibition of required participation or use of funds for assessments 7a7 ,prohibition on required participation ,a ,state receiving a grant under this subtitle shall not require any child to participate in any ,federal1 ,state1 local1 or private early childhood education program1 including a high-quality prekindergarten program4 7b7 ,prohibition on use of funds for assessment ,a ,state receiving a grant under this subtitle and an eligible local entity receiving a subgrant under this subtitle shall not use any grant or subgrant funds to carry out any of the following activities3 7#a7 ,an assessment that provides rewards or sanctions for individual children or teachers4 7#b7 ,an assessment that is used as the primary or sole method for assessing program effectiveness4 7#c7 ,evaluating children1 other than for the purposes of-- 7,a7 improving instruction or the classroom environment2 7,b7 targeting professional development2 7,c7 determining the need for health1 mental health1 disability1 or family support services2 7,d7 program evaluation for the purposes of program improvement and parent information2 and 7,e7 improving parent and family engagement4 #abd4 ,coordination with ,head ,start programs 7a7 ,increased access for younger children ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall develop a process for use in the event that ,head ,start programs funded under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq47 operate in ,states or regions that have achieved sustained universal1 voluntary access to #d-year old children who reside within the ,state and who are from families with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the poverty line1 to high-quality prekindergarten programs and how such ,head ,start programs will begin converting slots for children who are age #d on the eligibility determination date to children who are age #c on the eligibility determination date1 or1 when appropriate1 converting ,head ,start ,programs into ,early ,head ,start programs to serve infants and toddlers4 7b7 ,community need and resources ,the process described in subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 be carried out on a case-by-case basis and shall ensure that sufficient resources and time are allocated for the development of such a process so that no child or cohort is excluded from currently available services2 and 7#b7 ensure that any conversion shall be based on community need and not on the aggregate number of children served in a ,state or region that has achieved sustained1 universal1 voluntary access to high-quality prekindergarten programs4 7c7 ,public comment and notice ,not fewer than #ij days after the development of the proposed process described in subsection 7a71 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall publish a notice describing such proposed process for conversion in the ,federal ,register providing at least #ij days for public comment4 ,the ,secretaries shall review and consider public comments prior to finalizing the process for conversion of ,head ,start slots and programs4 7d7 ,reports to congress ,concurrently with publishing a notice in the ,federal ,register as described in subsection 7c71 the ,secretaries shall provide a report to the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate that provides a detailed description of the proposed process described in subsection 7a71 including a description of the degree to which ,head ,start programs are providing ,state-funded high-quality prekindergarten programs as a result of the grant opportunity provided under this subtitle in ,states where ,head ,start programs are eligible for conversion described in subsection 7a74 #abe4 ,technical assistance in program administration ,in providing technical assistance to carry out activities under this title1 the ,secretary shall coordinate that technical assistance1 in appropriate cases1 with technical assistance provided by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services to carry out the programs authorized under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq471 the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq471 and the maternal1 infant and early childhood home visiting programs assisted under section #eaa of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gaa74 #abf4 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act shall be construed to permit discrimination on the basis of race1 color1 religion1 sex 7except as otherwise permitted under title ,,ix of the ,education ,amendments of #aigb 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #afha et seq47 7also known as the ,patsy ,takemoto ,mink ,equal ,opportunity in ,education ,act771 national origin1 or disability in any program funded under this ,act4 #abg4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle-- 7#a7 #a1cjj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjae2 7#b7 #c1bej1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjaf2 7#c7 #e1ghj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjag2 7#d7 #g1ehj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjah2 7#e7 #h1ifj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 and 7#f7 such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbc4 ,b ,prekindergarten development grants #aea4 ,prekindergarten development grants 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,education1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 shall award competitive grants to ,states1 local educational agencies1 or other local government entities that wish to increase their capacity and build the infrastructure within the ,state to offer high-quality prekindergarten programs4 7b7 ,eligibility of states ,a ,state that is not receiving funds under section #aae may compete for grant funds under this subtitle if the ,state provides an assurance that the ,state will1 through the support of grant funds awarded under this subtitle1 meet the eligibility requirements of section #aae not later than #c years after the date the ,state first receives grant funds under this subtitle4 7c7 ,grant duration ,the ,secretary shall award grants under this subtitle for a period of not more than #c years4 ,such grants shall not be renewed4 7d7 ,application 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,governor1 or chief executive officer of a ,state1 a local educational agency1 or another local government entity that desires to receive a grant under this subtitle shall submit an application to the ,secretary of ,education at such time1 in such manner1 and accompanied by such information as the ,secretary may reasonably require1 including1 if applicable1 a description of how the ,state plans to become eligible for grants under section #aae by not later than #c years after the date the ,state first receives grant funds under this subtitle4 7#b7 ,development of ,state application ,in developing an application for a grant under this subtitle1 a ,state shall consult with the ,state ,advisory ,council on ,early ,childhood ,education and ,care and incorporate their recommendations1 where applicable4 7e7 ,matching requirement 7#a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this subtitle1 a ,state1 local educational agency1 or other local government entity shall contribute for the activities for which the grant was awarded non-,federal matching funds in an amount equal to not less than #bj percent of the amount of the grant4 7#b7 ,non-,federal funds ,to satisfy the requirement of paragraph 7#a71 a ,state1 local educational agency1 or other local government entity may use-- 7,a7 non-,federal resources in the form of ,state funding1 local funding1 or contributions from philanthropy or other private sources1 or a combination of such resources2 or 7,b7 in-kind contributions4 7#c7 ,financial hardship waiver ,the ,secretary may waive paragraph 7#a7 or reduce the amount of matching funds required under that paragraph for a ,state1 local educational agency1 or other local government entity that has submitted an application for a grant under this subsection if the ,state1 local educational agency1 or other local government entity demonstrates1 in the application1 a need for such a waiver or reduction due to extreme financial hardship1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7f7 ,subgrants 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state1 local educational agency1 or other local government entity awarded a grant under this subtitle may use the grant funds to award subgrants to eligible local entities1 as defined in section #aab1 to carry out the activities under the grant4 7#b7 ,subgrantees ,an eligible local entity awarded a subgrant under paragraph 7#a7 shall comply with the requirements of this subtitle relating to grantees1 as appropriate4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section-- 7#a7 #gej1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjae2 and 7#b7 such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjaf through #bjbd4 ,,ii ,learning quality partnerships #bja4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this title are to-- 7#a7 increase the availability of1 and access to1 high-quality early childhood education and care programming for infants and toddlers2 7#b7 support a higher quality of1 and increase capacity for1 that programming in both child care centers and family child care homes2 and 7#c7 encourage the provision of comprehensive1 coordinated full-day services and supports for infants and toddlers4 #bjb4 ,early learning quality partnerships ,the ,head ,start ,act is amended-- 7#a7 section #fde;,a7e7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihdj;a7e77 is amended to read as follows3 7e7 ,selection of grant recipients ,the ,secretary shall award grants under this section on a competitive basis to applicants meeting the criteria in subsection 7d7 7giving priority to entities with a record of providing early1 continuous1 and comprehensive childhood development and family services and entities that agree to partner with a center-based or family child care provider to carry out the activities described in section #fde;,b74 2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #fde;,a 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihdj;a7 the following3 #fde;,b4 ,early learning quality partnerships 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall make grants to ,early ,head ,start agencies to partner with center-based or family child care providers1 particularly those that receive support under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq471 that agree to meet program performance standards that are described in section #fda;,a7a77#a7 and applicable ,early ,head ,start standards described in section #fde;,a1 with funding and technical assistance from the ,early ,head ,start agency4 7b7 ,selection of grant recipients 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c71 the ,secretary shall award grants under this section in a manner consistent with section #fde;,a7e74 7#b7 ,competitive priority ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to applicants-- 7,a7 that propose to create strong alignment of programs with maternal1 infant1 and early childhood home visiting programs assisted under section #eaa of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gaa71 ,state-funded prekindergarten programs1 programs carried out under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq471 and other programs supported under this ,act1 to create a strong continuum of high-quality services for children from birth to school entry2 and 7,b7 that seek to work with child care providers across settings1 including center-based and home-based programs4 7#c7 ,allocation 7,a7 ,reservation ,from funds appropriated to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall reserve-- 7i7 not less than #c percent of such funds for ,indian ,head ,start programs that serve young children2 7ii7 not less than #d4e percent for migrant and seasonal ,head ,start programs that serve young children2 and 7iii7 not less than #j4b percent for programs funded under clause 7iv7 or 7v7 of section #fdj7;a77#b77;,b74 7,b7 ,allocation among states ,the ,secretary shall allocate funds appropriated to carry out this section and not reserved under subparagraph 7,a71 through grants to ,early ,head ,start agencies1 among the ,states proportionally based on the number of young children from families whose income is below the poverty line residing in such ,states4 7,c7 ,reallocation ,after allocating funds made available under this section in a manner consistent with the purposes and requirements of this section1 the ,secretary may use any unallocated funds for unfunded1 high-quality partnership applications in other ,states or to expand ,early ,head ,start slots in communities without center-based or family child care providers with which to partner4 7c7 ,eligibility of children 7#a7 ,in general ,partnerships formed through assistance provided under this section may serve children through age #c4 7#b7 ,standards ,the standards applied to children served under this section shall be consistent with those applied to children through age #c who are otherwise served under this ,act4 7#c7 ,minimum duration ,children determined eligible and subsequently served under this section shall be deemed eligible for the full complement of services provided under the partnership through the end of the succeeding program year1 consistent with section #fde7;a77#a77;,b77v74 7d7 ,partnerships ,an ,early ,head ,start agency that receives a grant under this section shall-- 7#a7 develop and implement a proposal to recruit and enter into the contract with a center-based or family child care provider1 particularly a provider that serves children who receive assistance under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq472 7#b7 enter into a contractual relationship with a center-based or family child care provider to raise the quality of such provider's programs so that the provider meets the program performance standards described in subsection 7a7 through activities that may include-- 7,a7 expanding the center-based or family child care provider's programs through financial support or the addition of ,early ,head ,start slots in the child care provider's setting2 7,b7 providing training1 technical assistance1 and support to the provider in order to help the provider meet the program performance standards1 which may include supporting program and partner staff in earning a child development associate credential1 associate's degree1 or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or a closely related field for working with infants and toddlers2 and 7,c7 blending funds received under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq47 or other sources of child care support with the ,early ,head ,start program carried out under section #fde;,a in order to provide high-quality child care1 for a full day1 that meets the program performance standards2 7#c7 create a clear and realizable timeline to increase the quality and capacity of a center-based or family child care provider so that the provider meets the program performance standards described in subsection 7a72 and 7#d7 align activities and services provided through funding under this section with the ,head ,start ,child ,outcomes ,framework4 7e7 ,standards ,prior to awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall establish standards to ensure that the responsibility and expectations of the ,early ,head ,start ,agency and the partner child care providers are clearly defined4 7f7 ,designation renewal ,a partner child care provider that receives assistance through a grant provided under this section shall be exempt1 for a period of #ah months 7from the start of the provision of services under the grant71 from the designation renewal requirements under section #fda7;c74 7g7 ,survey of early head start agencies and report to ,congress ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,strong ,start for ,america's ,children ,act1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 conduct a survey of ,early ,head ,start agencies to determine the extent of barriers to entering into early learning quality partnership agreements under this section on ,early ,head ,start agencies and on child care providers2 and 7#b7 submit information obtained from the survey conducted under paragraph 7#a71 with suggested steps to overcome such barriers1 in a report to the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate1 including a detailed description of the degree to which ,early ,head ,start agencies are utilizing the funds provided4 7h7 ,monitoring ,the ,secretary shall establish and ensure monitoring that is sensitive and appropriate to the model used for partnerships administered under this section4 7i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section-- 7#a7 #d1jjj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjae2 and 7#b7 such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjaf through #bjbd4 4 ,,iii ,maternal1 ,infant1 and ,early ,childhood ,home ,visiting program #cja4 ,sense of ,senate ,it is the sense of the ,senate that-- 7#a7 from the prenatal period to the first day of kindergarten1 children's development rapidly progresses at a pace exceeding that of any subsequent stage of life2 7#b7 as reported by the ,national ,academy of ,sciences in #bjja1 striking disparities exist in what children know and can do that are evident well before they enter kindergarten2 these differences are strongly associated with social and economic circumstances1 and they are predictive of subsequent academic performance2 7#c7 research has consistently demonstrated that investments in high-quality programs that serve infants and toddlers better positions those children for success in elementary1 secondary1 and postsecondary education as well as helping children develop the critical physical1 emotional1 social1 and cognitive skills that they will need for the rest of their lives2 7#d7 in #bjaa1 there were #aa1jjj1jjj infants and toddlers living in the ,united ,states and #di percent of these children came from low-income families living with incomes at or below #bjj percent of the ,federal poverty guidelines2 7#e7 the ,maternal1 ,infant1 and ,early ,childhood ,home ,visiting 7,,miechv7 program was authorized by ,congress to facilitate collaboration and partnership at the ,federal1 ,state1 and community levels to improve health and development outcomes for at-risk children1 including those from low-income families1 through evidence-based home visiting programs2 7#f7 ,,miechv is an evidence-based policy initiative and its authorizing legislation requires that at least #ge percent of funds dedicated to the program must support programs to implement evidence-based home visiting models1 which includes the home-based model of ,early ,head ,start2 and 7#g7 ,congress should continue to provide resources to ,,miechv to support the work of ,states to help at-risk families voluntarily receive home visits from nurses and social workers to-- 7,a7 promote maternal1 infant1 and child health2 7,b7 improve school readiness and achievement2 7,c7 prevent potential child abuse or neglect and injuries2 7,d7 support family economic self-sufficiency2 7,e7 reduce crime or domestic violence2 and 7,f7 improve coordination or referrals for community resources and supports4 ,june #aj1 #bjad,read twice and placed on the calendar