,,ii #aadth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bcjd ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,november #ah1 #bjae ,mr4 ,tester 7for himself and ,mr4 ,schatz7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,indian ,affairs ,a ,,bill ,to provide for tribal demonstration projects for the integration of early childhood development1 education1 including ,native language and culture1 and related services1 for evaluation of those demonstration projects1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,tribal ,early ,childhood1 ,education1 and ,related ,services ,integration ,act of #bjae4 #b4 ,tribal early childhood demonstration projects ,the ,native ,american ,programs ,act of #aigd is amended by inserting after section #hje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #biia;d7 the following3 #hje;,a4 ,tribal early childhood demonstration projects 7a7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this section are-- 7#a7 to promote coordination of tribal early childhood education programs to meet the locally determined needs of tribal communities1 children1 and families1 consistent with tribal values and traditions2 7#b7 to support integration of quality early childhood and family support systems1 including data systems1 across various tribal programs that serve ,indian children1 pregnant women1 parents1 primary caregivers1 and families1 from pregnancy to kindergarten entry2 7#c7 to strengthen the integration of ,native languages and cultures into tribal early childhood education programs1 services1 and support2 7#d7 to identify and address real and perceived barriers to collaboration and systems improvement across tribal early childhood education programs2 7#e7 to foster-- 7,a7 further development in tribal communities of culturally informed early childhood education programs2 7,b7 ongoing research and continuous improvement in the quality of early childhood educational and professional development2 and 7,c7 effective evidence- or research-based practices in tribal communities2 7#f7 to develop1 test1 and disseminate integrated locally designed and innovative tribal early childhood education program variations that meet the needs of the tribal community in accordance with this section2 and 7#g7 to increase the quality and availability of comprehensive tribal early childhood education services available to ,indian children and families1 including increasing-- 7,a7 the number of ,indian children and families receiving high-quality services2 and 7,b7 the availability of full-day1 full-year preschool services in tribal communities4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,demonstration program ,the term demonstration program means the program established under subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,demonstration project ,the term demonstration project means a project carried out under subsection 7d74 7#c7 ,early childhood education program ,the term early childhood education program means-- 7,a7 a ,head ,start program or an ,early ,head ,start program carried out under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq471 including-- 7i7 a migrant or seasonal ,head ,start program2 7ii7 an ,indian ,head ,start program2 or 7iii7 a ,head ,start program or an ,early ,head ,start program that receives ,state or tribal funding in addition to ,federal funding2 7,b7 a ,state or tribally licensed or regulated child care program2 and 7,c7 a program that-- 7i7 serves children from birth through age #f2 7ii7 addresses the cognitive 7including language1 early literacy1 and early mathematics71 social1 emotional1 and physical development of children2 and 7iii7 is-- 7,i7 a ,state or tribal prekindergarten program2 7,,ii7 a program authorized under section #fai or part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adai2 #bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq472 7,,iii7 a program operated by a local educational agency2 or 7,,iv7 a program operated by an ,indian tribe4 7#d7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 an ,indian tribe2 7,b7 a tribal organization1 including-- 7i7 a tribal education agency 7as defined in section #c of the ,national ,environmental ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #eejb77 designated by an ,indian tribe2 and 7ii7 a ,tribal ,college or ,university designated by an ,indian tribe2 and 7,c7 a consortium that includes as the primary member an entity described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b74 7#e7 ,eligible underlying program ,the term eligible underlying program means any program described in subsection 7e74 7#f7 ,grantee ,the term grantee means the eligible entity carrying out a demonstration project using financial assistance provided under subsection 7c74 7#g7 ,indian ,the term ,indian has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b74 7#h7 ,indian tribe 7,a7 ,in general ,the term ,indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b74 7,b7 ,inclusion ,the term ,indian tribe includes a tribal organization that is designated by an ,indian tribe4 7#i7 ,tribal ,college or ,university ,the term ,tribal ,college or ,university has the meaning given the term in section #caf7;b7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajei;c7b774 7#aj7 ,tribal organization ,the term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section #feh,p of the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihehn74 7#aa7 ,work ,group ,the term ,work ,group means the tribal early childhood demonstration program work group established under subsection 7i77#c74 7c7 ,establishment of demonstration program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a demonstration program under which the ,secretary shall provide to eligible entities financial assistance1 using amounts appropriated to the #a or more underlying eligible programs identified by the eligible entity in the application under subsection 7d77#c77;,c71 for tribal early childhood education demonstration projects4 7#b7 ,limitation ,the ,secretary shall select for participation in the demonstration program not more than #aj eligible entities for each fiscal year4 7#c7 ,duration 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 each grantee shall carry out1 during the #e-year period beginning on the date of receipt1 a demonstration project described in paragraph 7#d74 7,b7 ,extension ,the ,secretary may extend the term of a demonstration project under subparagraph 7,a7 for #a or more additional periods of such time as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7#d7 ,eligibility ,to be eligible for participation in the demonstration program under this subsection1 an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the ,secretary that the demonstration project proposed to be carried out by the eligible entity is-- 7,a7 designed to test or assist in the development of any new approach or method that-- 7i7 addresses tribal community needs2 7ii7 aids in overcoming unique tribal community problems impacting the effective delivery of early childhood education and development services2 7iii7 fosters continuous improvement in the quality of early childhood services and support in tribal communities2 and 7iv7 enables participating ,indian children and families to thrive and succeed in school and otherwise2 and 7,b7 focused on culturally based early childhood education1 ,native language and cultural revitalization and maintenance1 and related services4 7#e7 ,waivers 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall waive1 with respect to a demonstration project1 any specific provision of law 7including regulations71 policy1 or procedure described in a waiver requested under subsection 7d77#c77,k71 if the ,secretary determines that-- 7i7 the provision1 policy1 or procedure relates specifically to an eligible underlying program from which the demonstration project receives financial assistance2 and 7ii7 the waiver-- 7,i7 will enhance the ability of the grantee to coordinate and align the eligible underlying program with the demonstration project2 7,,ii7 is consistent with the purposes of this section2 and 7,,iii7 would not jeopardize the health1 safety1 civil rights1 or well-being of the individuals to be served by the demonstration project4 7,b7 ,exceptions ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary may not waive-- 7i7 any specific regulation1 policy1 or procedure relating to1 with respect to center-based or family-based child care operations1 a ,head ,start program or an ,early ,head ,start program carried out under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq472 or 7ii7 any specific statutory requirement for recipients of ,federal funding relating to maintenance of effort or the use of ,federal funds to supplement1 and not supplant1 non-,federal funds4 7#f7 ,special rule ,the ,secretary shall ensure that all demonstration projects carried out under this section respect and incorporate the purposes of each eligible underlying program incorporated by the grantee into the demonstration project4 7d7 ,applications 7#a7 ,in general ,each eligible entity desiring participation in the demonstration program shall submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7#b7 ,general application ,an eligible entity may submit #a general application under this subsection1 which shall meet all grant application requirements of each noncompetitively awarded eligible underlying program identified by the eligible entity under paragraph 7#c77;,c74 7#c7 ,content ,each application under paragraph 7#a7 shall include a proposal that contains1 with respect to the proposed demonstration project-- 7,a7 an identification of the population to be served by the demonstration project1 including-- 7i7 an identification of the geographical service area to be covered2 7ii7 a comprehensive assessment of early childhood care and development needs within that service area1 including a description of the assets of each tribal community benefiting from the demonstration project that will be used to improve project quality and child and family outcomes2 7iii7 a description of obstacles to accessing early childhood education opportunities in that service area1 such as-- 7,i7 a shortage of enrollment slots in existing child care or early learning programs2 7,,ii7 problems in the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff2 and 7,,iii7 a lack of sufficient transportation or educational facility infrastructure2 and 7iv7 a description of the means by which the proposal addresses the items identified in clauses 7ii7 and 7iii72 7,b7 a plan for improving ,indian family and tribal community engagement and consultation services1 including a description of-- 7i7 the methods the demonstration project-- 7,i7 has implemented for effective engagement with ,indian families and tribal community members living in the covered geographical service area during development of the demonstration project application through the notice and public comment process2 and 7,,ii7 will use to continue consultation and engagement with ,indian families and tribal community members living in the covered geographical service area during implementation of the demonstration project2 and 7ii7 how the demonstration project will engage ,indian parents in partnerships to reach proposal goals2 7,c7 an identification of the #a or more eligible underlying programs selected by the eligible entity for inclusion in the proposed demonstration project2 7,d7 a description of the framework for center-based and family-based early childhood educational programing to be used by the demonstration project1 including a description of how the demonstration project will coordinate with the eligible underlying programs proposed under subparagraph 7,c7 to promote in the applicable tribal community-- 7i7 school readiness2 7ii7 family engagement2 7iii7 parenting skills2 and 7iv7 healthy child development2 7,e7 an explanation of the role of ,native language and culture in the demonstration project2 7,f7 a description of data that will be collected for monitoring and evaluation purposes1 including-- 7i7 the methods and systems for data collection and management2 7ii7 identified metrics that will be used to measure progress toward proposal goals2 7iii7 any duplicative data or administrative systems that will be streamlined through integration with the eligible underlying programs2 and 7iv7 the precautions that will be used to ensure the privacy of participants who have data collected in accordance with the applicable privacy requirements of-- 7,i7 section #ddd of the ,family ,educational ,rights and ,privacy ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb;g72 and 7,,ii7 the ,health ,insurance ,portability and ,accountability ,act of #aiif 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bja et seq472 7,g7 a description of technical assistance and training the eligible entity will need to further develop or implement the monitoring and evaluation portion of the proposal2 7,h7 a description of how programming funded under the demonstration project will address child and family mental health issues1 including issues relating to violence and substance abuse2 7,i7 an assurance that the total projected expenditures of the demonstration project will be reflected in a single comprehensive budget2 7,j7 an identification of the specific tribal entity to administer and implement the delivery of services using the funds received from the underlying eligible programs identified under subparagraph 7,c72 and 7,k7 an identification and explanation of any specific provision of law 7including regulations71 policy1 or procedure of an eligible underlying program identified under subparagraph 7,c7 for which the eligible entity requests a waiver4 7#d7 ,approval or disapproval 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after receipt of an application under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall notify an applicant in writing of whether the application has been approved or denied4 7,b7 ,notification requirements ,in each notification under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall include-- 7i7 for each approved application-- 7,i7 the terms and conditions of the approval in accordance with paragraph 7#g72 and 7,,ii7 a notification of whether any waiver request included in the application under paragraph 7#c77,k7 has been approved or denied in accordance with subsection 7c77#e72 and 7ii7 for each disapproved application or waiver request1 the reasons for the disapproval4 7#e7 ,application amendments 7,a7 ,in general ,a grantee may submit to the ,secretary a proposed amendment to an application approved under this subsection1 including any amendment to a waiver request submitted under paragraph 7#c77,k71 at such time and in such manner as the ,secretary may require4 7,b7 ,approval ,subject to paragraph 7#f71 not later than #fj days after the date of receipt of a proposed amendment under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall provide to the grantee a written notice describing whether the proposed amendment has been approved or disapproved4 7#f7 ,appeal of secretarial decisions 7,a7 ,in general ,a grantee may appeal a determination of the ,secretary to disapprove a waiver request under subsection 7c77#e7 or an amendment request under paragraph 7#e77;,b7-- 7i7 by amending and resubmitting to the ,secretary the request and explanation in accordance with paragraph 7#c77,k7 or 7#e71 as applicable2 or 7ii7 by requesting reconsideration of the request4 7,b7 ,timeframe ,an appeal under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be submitted to the ,secretary by not later than the #cj days after the date of receipt of a notification of disapproval of-- 7i7 a waiver request under paragraph 7#d77;,b77i77,,ii72 or 7ii7 an amendment request under paragraph 7#e77;,b74 7,c7 ,final determination ,not later than #cj days after the date of receipt of an appeal under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall provide to the grantee a written notice of the final approval or disapproval status of the waiver or amendment request1 as applicable4 7#g7 ,terms and conditions 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall include in each notification of approval of an application under paragraph 7#d7 the terms and conditions of that approval1 including-- 7i7 the date on which the eligible entity may begin implementing the demonstration project2 7ii7 the services and support to be provided for the demonstration project by the ,administration for ,children and ,families2 7iii7 the responsibilities of the grantee regarding implementation of the demonstration project2 7iv7 the terms of distribution to the demonstration project of funds from the eligible underlying programs identified in the approved application1 to be made in accordance with a payment schedule determined by the ,secretary2 and 7v7 a requirement that the grantee shall comply with all legal requirements applicable to the eligible underlying programs that have not been waived by the ,secretary pursuant to this section4 7#h7 ,selection criteria ,the ,secretary may give priority to a demonstration project of sufficient scope and scale to be the basis of a thorough evaluation of any new approach or alternative method that best-- 7,a7 addresses the unique challenges and barriers to effective and efficient programming2 and 7,b7 ensures access to high-quality early childhood education services in tribal communities4 7e7 ,eligible underlying programs 7#a7 ,in general ,a program eligible to be an underlying program from which a demonstration project receives financial assistance shall be #a of the following3 7,a7 ,the social and economic development strategies program carried out under section #hjc4 7,b7 ,the ,native ,american language preservation and maintenance program carried out under section #hjc;,c1 including the ,esther ,martinez initiative4 7,c7 ,the early childhood infrastructure development grant program carried out under section #hje;,b7c74 7,d7 ,the early childhood professional development grant program carried out under section #hje;,b7d74 7,e7 ,the program of block grants to ,states and ,indian tribes for temporary assistance for needy families for funding for childcare carried out under section #dah of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fah74 7,f7 ,the tribal maternal1 infant1 and early childhood home visiting program carried out under section #eaa of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gaa74 7,g7 ,a ,head ,start program or an ,early ,head ,start program carried out under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq47 7except if there has been a determination under section #fda7;c77#g77;,a77iii7 of that ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihcf7;c77#g77;,a77iii77 that the ,head ,start or ,early ,head ,start agency of the ,indian tribe submitting an application under subsection 7d7 has not been delivering a high-quality and comprehensive ,head ,start or ,early ,head ,start program74 7,h7 ,the child care and development block grant program carried out under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq474 7,i7 ,any additional program identified by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,additional programs 7,a7 ,in general ,after consultation with the ,work ,group1 the ,secretary may include in a report under subsection 7f77#b7 a proposal to designate any additional program administered by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services as an eligible underlying program for purposes of the demonstration program under this section1 subject to the condition that the additional program shall be consistent with the purposes of the demonstration program4 7,b7 ,deemed approval ,if ,congress fails to act on a proposal of the ,secretary under subparagraph 7,a7 by the date that is #ahj days after the date of receipt of the applicable report1 the proposal shall be deemed to be approved by ,congress4 7f7 ,reporting requirements 7#a7 ,eligible entities 7,a7 ,in general ,each grantee shall submit to the ,secretary semiannual reports describing the progress achieved and monitoring conducted by the grantee in carrying out the demonstration project4 7,b7 ,report contents ,subject to subsection 7g77#d77;,b71 each report submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include1 with respect to the period covered by the report-- 7i7 an identification of-- 7,i7 all uses of ,federal funding1 including all major activities and accomplishments2 and 7,,ii7 any problems in the implementation of the demonstration project1 including any delays and actions taken to address the problems2 7ii7 a description of-- 7,i7 all services provided to children and families under the demonstration project1 including-- 7aa7 the number of children and families directly benefiting from the services2 and 7bb7 the qualifications and credentials of the employees of the demonstration project2 7,,ii7 the progress of the specific objectives of the demonstration project2 and 7,,iii7 activities planned under the demonstration project for the following reporting period2 and 7iii7 any additional information the ,secretary determines to be necessary-- 7,i7 to support the objectives of the demonstration project2 and 7,,ii7 to ensure appropriate use of ,federal funding4 7,c7 ,standard form ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,work ,group1 shall develop a standard report form-- 7i7 to be used by all eligible entities to achieve compliance with this paragraph2 and 7ii7 that can be used with respect to any eligible underlying program4 7#b7 ,secretarial reports to ,congress 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #e years after the date on which the first demonstration project is implemented under this section1 and not less frequently than once every #e years thereafter for the duration of the demonstration program1 the ,secretary shall submit to the congressional committees described in subparagraph 7,b7 a report that describes-- 7i7 any evidence-based developments achieved as a result of the demonstration program under this section2 7ii7 the progress and impacts of the demonstration projects carried out under this section2 and 7iii7 with respect to the initial report required under this subparagraph1 a recommendation regarding the ways in which the application process for competitively awarded eligible underlying programs can be reduced and streamlined for grantees under this section4 7,b7 ,congressional committees ,the congressional committees referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 are-- 7i7 in the ,senate-- 7,i7 the ,committee on ,indian ,affairs2 and 7,,ii7 the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions2 and 7ii7 in the ,house of ,representatives-- 7,i7 the ,subcommittee on ,indian1 ,insular and ,alaska ,native ,affairs2 and 7,,ii7 the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce4 7g7 ,monitoring and oversight2 termination 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,work ,group1 shall implement a coordinated monitoring and oversight system that applies to all eligible underlying programs1 including-- 7,a7 review of the reports described in subsection 7f72 and 7,b7 onsite visits to demonstration projects1 as the ,secretary determines to be necessary4 7#b7 ,compliance ,for each demonstration project1 the ,secretary shall use the reports described in subsection 7f7 and other relevant information as the basis for determining whether a grantee has complied with-- 7,a7 the terms and conditions of the demonstration project2 and 7,b7 any policy1 procedure1 or guidance issued under paragraph 7#d74 7#c7 ,termination ,the ,secretary may terminate funding to a demonstration project if-- 7,a7 pursuant to the monitoring and oversight system under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary determines that-- 7i7 the implementation of the demonstration project deviates significantly from the approved application without the prior approval of the ,secretary2 7ii7 noncompliance under paragraph 7#b7 has occurred2 and 7iii7 the grantee has failed to correct the noncompliance described in clause 7ii7 after sufficient opportunity1 as determined by the ,secretary1 to correct the noncompliance2 or 7,b7 the grantee submits to the ,secretary a written request to terminate the demonstration project1 including an explanation of the reasons for termination1 as required by the ,secretary4 7#d7 ,policies and procedures 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary may issue policies1 procedures1 and guidance relating to performance-based standards of accountability and internal controls necessary for a grantee and eligible underlying program to ensure appropriate use of ,federal funding4 7,b7 ,restriction ,the ,secretary shall not require a grantee to maintain a separate record for each eligible underlying program that traces the use of funds by the demonstration project back to each individual eligible underlying program4 7#e7 ,evaluation criteria ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with ,indian tribes and grantees1 shall develop and promulgate regulations prescribing the parameters and evaluation criteria for assessing the quality of a demonstration project4 7h7 ,funding 7#a7 ,allocation 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary for ,children and ,families 7referred to in this subsection as the ,secretary71 shall distribute to each grantee financial assistance using amounts appropriated to each applicable eligible underlying program identified by the grantee in the application under subsection 7d77#c7 in proportions to be determined by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,determination ,the ,secretary shall determine the amounts allocated to each grantee from each applicable eligible underlying program using the funding schedules or formulas employed by the applicable eligible underlying program4 7#b7 ,unused funds 7,a7 ,in general ,any grant amounts that are not obligated or expended by the grantee on or before ,september #cj of the fiscal year for which the amounts were distributed under paragraph 7#a7 shall remain available to the grantee until ,september #cj of the following fiscal year4 7,b7 ,reversion of funds ,any grant amounts that are not obligated or expended by the grantee on or before the deadline described in subparagraph 7,a7 shall revert to the ,secretary for reallocation to the eligible underlying programs in the original proportions described in paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,administration ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 of amounts available to the ,secretary and not otherwise obligated1 the ,secretary shall reserve each fiscal year #c1jjj1jjj for administration of the demonstration program1 of which-- 7,a7 not less than #hj percent shall be used for technical assistance and evaluation capacity building activities under subsection 7i72 and 7,b7 not more than #bj percent shall be used for oversight1 grant application technical assistance1 and demonstration program evaluation4 7#d7 ,consolidation of funds ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 a grantee may consolidate financial assistance received from each eligible underlying program1 subject to the condition that the grantee shall stipulate in the application under subsection 7d77#c7 that the grantee shall use the funds for the respective statutory and integrated purposes of the eligible underlying programs4 7#e7 ,administrative costs ,a grantee may use not more than #ae percent of the total amount of financial assistance received under this section for administrative costs4 7#f7 ,funding level maintenance ,the ,secretary shall not reduce the amount of funding allocated to an eligible underlying program as a result of the eligible underlying program being part of a demonstration project4 7i7 ,technical assistance and training 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,work ,group1 shall provide to grantees technical assistance and training relating to-- 7,a7 demonstration project administration2 7,b7 monitoring and evaluation capacity development2 7,c7 coordination with tribal1 ,federal1 ,state1 and local agencies2 or 7,d7 any other activity to achieve the objectives of this section that is-- 7i7 authorized by the ,secretary2 or 7ii7 recommended by the ,work ,group4 7#b7 ,coordination assistance ,the ,secretary may provide to an entity approved by the ,work ,group financial assistance to carry out-- 7,a7 an evaluation of the demonstration program to quantify any changes resulting from the demonstration program1 based on performance indicators and outcome measurements used by grantees to evaluate progress in achieving the objectives of each demonstration project2 7,b7 development and implementation of unified data collection and reporting systems2 7,c7 semiannual training and technical assistance meetings and other activities sponsored by the ,administration for ,children and ,families2 or 7,d7 any other technical assistance and training activity authorized under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,tribal early childhood work group 7,a7 ,in general ,to assist in achieving the purposes of the demonstration program under this section1 the ,secretary shall establish a tribal early childhood demonstration program work group4 7,b7 ,membership ,the ,work ,group shall be comprised of representatives of-- 7i7 the ,national ,indian ,child ,care ,association2 7ii7 the ,early ,head ,start ,tribal ,partnership2 7iii7 the ,national ,indian ,head ,start ,directors ,association2 7iv7 the ,indian ,health ,service2 7v7 ,tribal ,child ,care ,development ,fund ,program ,administrators2 7vi7 early childhood research centers with expertise in tribal early childhood programs1 including the ,tribal ,early ,childhood ,research ,center at the ,university of ,colorado2 7vii7 to the extent feasible1 a diverse sampling of ,indian tribes participating in the demonstration program under this section2 7viii7 the ,administration for ,native ,americans2 7ix7 the ,tribal ,home ,visiting ,program2 and 7x7 such other organizations1 agencies1 and entities as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7,c7 ,duties ,the ,work ,group shall advise the ,secretary regarding the development and implementation of-- 7i7 the demonstration project reporting forms described in subsection 7f77#a77;,c72 7ii7 the coordinated monitoring and oversight system described in subsection 7g77#a72 and 7iii7 the technical assistance and training described in this section4 #hje;,b4 ,early childhood infrastructure development grant program2 early childhood professional development grant program 7a7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this section are-- 7#a7 to increase the number of highly qualified early childhood care and development service providers-- 7,a7 who are ,indian2 or 7,b7 who work for programs serving tribal communities2 and 7#b7 to ensure tribal early childhood care and development center infrastructure is safe and conducive to serving the needs of the tribal communities that use that infrastructure4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means a demonstration project carried out under section #hje;,a that identified in the application under subsection 7c77#c77;,c77iii7 of that section the program carried out under subsection 7c7 or 7d71 as applicable1 as #a of the eligible underlying programs to be used by the demonstration project4 7#b7 ,indian ,the term ,indian has the meaning given the term in section #gaea of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #gdia74 7c7 ,early childhood infrastructure development grant program ,the ,secretary shall establish a program under which the ,secretary shall make grants to eligible entities-- 7#a7 to build facilities for early childhood care and development centers2 or 7#b7 to upgrade existing childhood learning and development facilities4 7d7 ,early childhood professional development grant program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program under which the ,secretary shall make grants to eligible entities to reimburse early childhood educators for out-of-pocket costs associated with obtaining early childhood certification or credentials4 7#b7 ,special rule 7,a7 ,service for reimbursement ,eligible entities receiving a grant under paragraph 7#a7 shall require early childhood educators who receive reimbursement under the grant to fulfill a period of obligated service with the demonstration project of the eligible entity in accordance with subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,period of obligated service 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall provide each eligible entity receiving a grant under paragraph 7#a7 with a form contract for obligated service that the eligible entity shall use to carry out subparagraph 7,a74 7ii7 ,requirement ,before receiving reimbursement1 the early childhood educator and the eligible entity shall enter into a contract described in clause 7i74 7e7 ,allocation of grants 7#a7 ,early childhood infrastructure development grants ,in making grants under subsection 7c71 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 allocate to an eligible entity such amounts as are requested in the application of the eligible entity2 or 7,b7 if funding is insufficient to fulfill the total amount requested by all eligible entities1 fully fund a selection of eligible entities based on the following criteria3 7i7 ,the likelihood of completing the proposed infrastructure project within the timeframe of the demonstration project4 7ii7 ,the ability of the infrastructure project to address outstanding health and safety concerns4 7iii7 ,any other criteria identified by the ,secretary1 in consultation with the tribal early childhood demonstration program work group established under section #hje;,a7i77#c74 7#b7 ,early childhood professional development grant ,in making grants under subsection 7d71 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 allocate to an eligible entity such amounts as are requested in the application of the eligible entity2 or 7,b7 if funding is insufficient to fulfill the total amount requested by all eligible entities1 allocate funds to each eligible entity based on the proportion that-- 7i7 the number of children served by the eligible entity2 bears to 7ii7 the total number of children served by all eligible entities approved for funding under subsection 7d74 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,early childhood infrastructure development grant program ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 #d1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjba2 and 7,b7 such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter4 7#b7 ,early childhood professional development grant program ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 #a1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjba2 and 7,b7 such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter4 4 #c4 ,tribal early childhood educator recruitment and retention 7a7 ,loan forgiveness for early childhood educators 7#a7 ,,ffel loans ,section #dbh;,j of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajgh-aj7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7b77#a77;,a71 by striking section #dfe7;a77#b77;,a7 and inserting subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of section #dfe7;a77#b72 and 7,b7 in subsection 7c77#c7-- 7i7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking or special education and inserting special education1 or tribal early childhood development programs2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,a77ii71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7iii7 in subparagraph 7,b77iii71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7iv7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 an early childhood teacher-- 7i7 who meets the requirements of subsection 7b72 and 7ii7 whose qualifying employment for purposes of such subsection is in an early childhood learning and development program-- 7,i7 that is operated by an ,indian tribe 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b772 or 7,,ii7 that serves a large percentage of ,indian children1 as defined by the ,secretary4 4 7#b7 ,federal direct loans ,section #dfj of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajhg;j7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7b77#a77;,a71 by striking section #dfe7;a77#b77;,a7 and inserting subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of section #dfe7;a77#b72 and 7,b7 in subsection 7c77#c7-- 7i7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking or special education and inserting special education1 or tribal early childhood development programs2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,a77ii71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7iii7 in subparagraph 7,b77iii71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7iv7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 an early childhood teacher-- 7i7 who meets the requirements of subsection 7b72 and 7ii7 whose qualifying employment for purposes of such subsection is in an early childhood learning and development program-- 7,i7 that is operated by an ,indian tribe 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b772 or 7,,ii7 that serves a large percentage of ,indian children1 as defined by the ,secretary4 4 7b7 ,cancellation of loans for tribal early childhood educators ,subparagraph 7,b7 of section #dfe7;a77#b7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajhg;ee7a77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 as a full-time staff member with a baccalaureate degree-- 7i7 in a preschool program carried out under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq47 that is operated for a period which is comparable to a full school year in the locality1 if the salary of such staff member is not more than the salary of a comparable employee of the local educational agency for the locality2 7ii7 in a prekindergarten or child care program that is licensed or regulated by the ,state or an ,indian tribe 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b77 that is operated for a period which is comparable to a full school year in the locality1 if the salary is not more than the salary of a comparable employee of the local educational agency for the locality2 7iii7 in a center-based early childhood learning or development program operated through the family and child education program of the ,bureau of ,indian ,education2 or 7iv7 in an early childhood learning or development center operated by an ,indian tribe 7as so defined7 utilizing funds from-- 7,i7 early childhood learning and development grants awarded under the ,native ,american ,programs ,act of #aigd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #biia et seq471 including such grants under section #hjc;,c1 #hje;,a1 or #hje;,b of such ,act2 7,,ii7 grants awarded under the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq472 or 7,,iii7 any other early childhood learning and development grants administered by the ,administration for ,children and ,families under the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services1 as determined by the ,assistant ,secretary for the ,administration for ,children and ,families4 4