52-2-1003. Eligible uses of Montana early childhood account.

326 words·~1 min read·/mt/title-52/chapter-2/part-10/52-2-1003

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

52-2-1003 . Eligible uses of Montana early childhood account.

(1)The Montana early childhood account board established in 52-2-1001 shall use the money in the Montana early childhood account provided for in 52-2-1002 to fund services and activities under the eligibility criteria below approved by the Montana early childhood account board established in 52-2-1001 .

(2)Eligible purposes for which the board may authorize include:

(a)early care and education provider support and workforce development, including:

(i)technical assistance grants that offer funding to start or expand child-care businesses, community-level partnerships, and program access strategies;

(ii)grants to support early childhood postsecondary education, certifications, apprenticeship, training, and continuing education to grow the workforce of early childhood professionals; and

(iii)recruitment and retention grants to provide workforce benefits, stipends, or supplements to retain qualified workers;

(b)quality improvement initiatives, including accreditation support, curriculum development, safety upgrades, and supports for infants, toddlers, and children with special needs;

(c)affordability initiatives, including expansion of licensed before-school and after-school care, the state child care subsidy program, and temporary child care assistance programs for families facing sudden financial hardship;

(d)innovation initiatives, including community child-care expansion programs and early learning and early childhood intervention access programs; and

(e)emergency assistance and disaster relief programs for impacted child-care facilities.

(3)In administering funding from the early childhood account, the board shall:

(a)determine funding priorities for services and activities using the department of public health and human services' early childhood system strategic plan and comprehensive fiscal analysis;

(b)establish further criteria for the receipt of program funds;

(c)monitor the expenditure of funds by organizations receiving funds under this section; and

(d)evaluate the efficacy of services and activities funded under this section.

(4)By September 1 of each year, the department shall report to the education interim committee and the children, families, health, and human services interim committee in accordance with 5-11-210 on the services and activities funded under this section.