Sec. 6. Use of funds
755 words·~3 min read·
/bill/113/s/519/is/section-6A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
In using funds provided under this Act, a State shall give priority to improving the quality of State-funded preschool in communities with high concentrations of low-income children. Subject to subsections
(c)and (d), a State that receives funds under this Act shall use such funds to carry out 1 or more of the following activities: To increase the number of teachers and program directors in State-funded preschool programs who hold a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education, or in a related field if specialized training in early childhood education has also been completed. To increase the number of teacher aides in State-funded preschool programs who hold an associate degree in early childhood education, or in a related field if specialized training in early childhood education has also been completed. To increase the number of program directors, teachers, and teacher aides who have specialized training in working with children and families with limited English proficiency. To increase the number of program directors, teachers, and teacher aides who have specialized training in working with children with disabilities. To increase the compensation or benefits provided to teachers, program directors, and teacher aides in State-funded preschool programs in order to improve the ability of those programs to recruit and retain such teachers, program directors, and teacher aides. To decrease group size in classrooms in State-funded preschool programs. To improve the teacher-to-student ratios in classrooms in State-funded preschool programs. To provide, in State-funded preschool programs, 1 or more of the following comprehensive services that support healthy child development and positive child outcomes and school readiness: Vision and hearing screenings and referrals. Health and mental health screenings and referrals. Parent involvement opportunities. Nutrition services. To extend the number of— hours per day of program operation of State-funded preschool programs; days per week of program operation of State-funded preschool programs; or weeks per year of program operation of State-funded preschool programs. To improve the State’s system for monitoring the quality of State-funded preschool programs. To provide opportunities for intensive and on-going research- and evidence-based professional development in the domains described in section 4(a)(1)(A) for staff of State-funded preschool programs. To provide induction and support for preschool program directors, teachers, and staff during the first 3 years of employment in a new position, and to provide on-going mentoring to such individuals by persons with education and expertise in supporting teachers in effective teaching practices with young children and in supporting program directors in early childhood education and program management. To renovate existing facilities, except that such renovation must be limited to minor rehabilitation or remodeling needed to ensure that State-funded preschool program facilities are age and developmentally appropriate. To provide preschool classroom supplies or equipment. A State that receives funds under this Act shall use 10 percent of such funds to improve the quality of early learning environments for children from birth to age 3 through research- and evidence-based methods. Notwithstanding subsection (b), a qualified State that receives funds under this Act may use not more than 50 percent of the funds remaining after the set-aside described under subsection
(c)for the purpose of expanding a State-funded preschool program, with priority for such expansion to communities with high concentrations of low-income children, that meets or exceeds the criteria in section 4(a) if— the amount appropriated under section 13 is not less than $250,000,000; or the State-funded preschool program meets or exceeds the following criteria: The standards described in subparagraphs
(A)and
(B)of section 4(a)(1). Each teacher holds a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education (or a related field if specialized training in early childhood education has also been completed). Each provider provides full-day services at all locations. Each provider provides comprehensive services to at-risk children participating in the State-funded preschool program. Each teacher participates in on-going professional development in child development and learning. Each provider provides linguistically and culturally appropriate standards for serving children with limited English proficiency participating in the State-funded preschool program. For the purpose of establishing a priority for expansion under paragraph (1), the State shall define what constitutes a high concentration of low-income children. In any State described in paragraph
(1)in which all communities with high concentrations of low-income children are served by a State-funded preschool program, the priority for expansion described in such paragraph shall not apply. Funds provided under this Act shall be used only to improve or enhance a State-funded preschool program. Nothing in this Act shall be construed such that a State may use these funds only for existing State-funded preschool program providers.