IC 12-17-19
Chapter 19. Step Ahead Comprehensive Early Childhood Grant
Program
IC 12-17-19-1 "Convener"
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "convener" means:
(1) an organization that:
(A) is nonprofit;
(B) is nongovernmental;
(C) is not religiously affiliated;
(D) operates countywide; and
(E) serves multiple agencies;
(2) a school corporation (as defined in IC 20-18-2-16); or
(3) another entity approved by the panel. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-2 "Coordination grant"
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "coordination grant" refers to a
step ahead grant awarded to initiate the development of a step ahead
proposal. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-3 "Eligible entity"
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "eligible entity" means any of the
following:
(1) A school corporation (as defined in IC 20-18-2-16).
(2) An organization approved by the panel.
(3) A combination of eligible entities described in subdivisions
(1) and (2) under a cooperative agreement among the eligible
entities. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-4 "Eligible program"
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "eligible program" means a
federal, state, local, or private program or service that serves, assists,
or otherwise benefits a child and is approved by the governor and the
panel under guidelines developed under section 18 of this chapter.
The term includes the following programs or services:
(1) Child care.
(2) Preschool, including special education preschool.
(3) Parent information, including parents as teachers programs.
(4) School age child care (commonly referred to as latch key)
as described in IC 12-17-12-5 and IC 20-26-5-1(c), including
latch key services for kindergarten students.
(5) Early identification and early intervention.
(6) Maternal and child nutrition.
(7) Health and screening. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-5 "Implementation grant"
Sec. 5. (a) As used in this chapter, "implementation grant" refers
to a step ahead grant that is awarded to a step ahead county to
provide financial assistance to eligible entities providing eligible
programs.
(b) The term includes the use of available state appropriations and
available federal funds, including federal funds received under the
Child Care and Development Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et
seq. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-6 "Income eligibility guidelines"
Sec. 6. As used in this chapter, "income eligibility guidelines"
refers to the income eligibility guidelines prescribed by the panel
under section 18 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-7 "Panel"
Sec. 7. As used in this chapter, "panel" refers to the step ahead
statewide panel established by section 14 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-8 "Parent"
Sec. 8. As used in this chapter, "parent" means an individual who
has legal custody of a child. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-9 "Step ahead"
Sec. 9. As used in this chapter, "step ahead" refers to the step
ahead comprehensive early childhood grant program established by
section 11 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-10 "Step ahead county"
Sec. 10. As used in this chapter, "step ahead county" refers to a
county in which an eligible entity has been awarded coordination and
implementation grants. The term may include more than one (1)
county as provided in section 18 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-11 Establishment of program; purpose; administration of Child Care
and Development Block Grant; state funding
Sec. 11. (a) The step ahead comprehensive early childhood grant
program is established to provide financial assistance and other
incentives to eligible entities to implement, coordinate, and monitor
eligible programs countywide.
(b) The division shall administer the Child Care and Development
Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq. received by the division in
accordance with the guidelines established by the panel under section
18 of this chapter.
(c) The panel shall use available state funds to the extent the
general assembly makes an appropriation under this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-12 Unexpended money does not revert to general fund
Sec. 12. Unexpended money appropriated from the state general
fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter does not revert to the
state general fund at the end of a state fiscal year. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-13 Goals of program
Sec. 13. The goals of step ahead are to:
(1) identify and recognize the various eligible programs
available in each county at federal, state, local, and private
levels;
(2) encourage coordination and cooperation among the eligible
programs described in subdivision (1) and to discourage
duplication of services;
(3) provide comprehensive eligible programs countywide that
are accessible to all eligible children and affordable to the
children's parents;
(4) recognize the specific service needs of and unique resources
available to particular counties, develop statewide resource
listings, and incorporate flexibility regarding the
implementation of eligible programs;
(5) prevent or minimize the potential for developmental delay
in children before the children reach the age of compulsory
school attendance under IC 20-33-2;
(6) enhance certain federally funded eligible programs;
(7) strengthen the family unit through:
(A) encouragement of parental involvement in a child's
development and education;
(B) prevention of disruptive employment conditions for
parents who are employed; and
(C) enhancement of the capacity of families to meet the
special needs of their children, including those children with
disabilities;
(8) reduce the educational costs to society by reducing the need
for special education services after children reach school age;
(9) ensure that children with disabilities are integrated, when
appropriate, into programs available to children without
disabilities; and
(10) ensure that every child who enrolls in kindergarten in
Indiana has benefited since birth from eligible programs
available under step ahead. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.99-2007, SEC.97.
IC 12-17-19-14 Step ahead statewide panel; establishment; membership;
chairperson
Sec. 14. (a) The step ahead statewide panel is established to
implement the step ahead program.
(b) The panel consists of the following members:
(1) Six (6) members who:
(A) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the
governor; and
(B) are selected from representatives of the following state
agencies:
(i) Division of mental health and addiction.
(ii) State department of health.
(iii) The division.
(iv) Budget agency.
(v) Division of aging and rehabilitative services.
(vi) Department of education.
(vii) Executive staff of the lieutenant governor with
knowledge in the area of employment and training
programs.
(viii) Executive staff of the governor.
(2) Five (5) members who:
(A) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the
governor;
(B) are representative of the private sector; and
(C) are knowledgeable in the field of early childhood
development.
(3) Four (4) members who:
(A) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the state
superintendent of public instruction; and
(B) are knowledgeable in early childhood education.
(4) One (1) member who:
(A) is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the
governor; and
(B) serves as the chairperson of the panel. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-15 Compensation of panel members
Sec. 15. (a) The members of the panel who are state employees
are entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses and other
expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties,
as provided in the state travel policies and procedures established by
the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget
agency.
(b) Each member of the panel who is not a state employee is
entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by
IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). A member who is not a state employee is also
entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses and other expenses
actually incurred in connection with the member's duties, as provided
in the state travel policies and procedures established by the Indiana
department of administration and approved by the budget agency. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-16 Panel utilization of division personnel
Sec. 16. The panel may use the personnel employed by the
division to assist the panel in implementing this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-17 Rules
Sec. 17. The panel may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement
this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-18 Panel powers and duties
Sec. 18. (a) The panel shall do the following:
(1) Establish guidelines to implement this chapter that comply
with the regulations governing the distribution of the Child Care
and Development Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.,
including guidelines on the following:
(A) Subject to the requirements under sections 20 and 22 of
this chapter, the content of the application and step ahead
proposal.
(B) The types of early childhood programs that are eligible
programs.
(C) Income eligibility guidelines for parents who are unable
to afford the services provided by eligible entities.
(D) Subject to the availability of funds, a schedule for
awarding coordination and implementation grants and the
criteria used to award those grants under this chapter,
including the following:
(i) The degree to which available eligible programs are
coordinated within the county under the proposal.
(ii) The extent of community commitment to step ahead
initiatives.
(iii) The relative need for the county to become a step
ahead county.
(iv) The extent to which multiple eligible programs and
services are collocated throughout the county, including
public schools.
(v) The extent to which the school corporations within the
county cooperate in step ahead initiatives.
(vi) The quality reflected by comprehensive programming
for preschool services and the commitment to consistent
staff training opportunities.
(vii) The extent to which proposed eligible programs
provide integrated programs for children with disabilities
and children without disabilities.
(E) Any limitations in the expenditure of step ahead grants.
(F) Requirements for grant recipients or the step ahead
county coordinator to report on the implementation of the
step ahead programs within the county.
(G) The distribution of federal funds, including the Child
Care and Development Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et
seq., and other available funds to eligible programs.
(H) Any other pertinent matter.
(2) Develop minimum standards for eligible programs.
(3) Review each step ahead application for a coordination grant
and each proposal for an implementation grant submitted by the
convener.
(4) Approve those proposals that comply with this chapter.
(5) Conduct the assessments of step ahead programs under
section 24 of this chapter.
(6) Monitor the overall implementation of step ahead,
encourage the collaboration through the department of
education's early childhood division to promote consistency in
state efforts for young children, and report to the governor on
the implementation of step ahead.
(7) Any other task to facilitate the implementation of step
ahead.
(b) The panel may contract for services to assist in the
implementation of the step ahead program.
(c) The panel may designate as a step ahead county and step ahead
grant recipient more than one (1) county if the participating counties:
(1) are contiguous to each other; and
(2) agree to jointly comply with this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.99-2007, SEC.98.
IC 12-17-19-19 Child care services bureau contracts; advance funding provisions
Sec. 19. Notwithstanding IC 4-13-2-20 and IC 12-8-10-7 and in
addition to the authorization to enter into contracts for services under
section 18(b) of this chapter, a contract issued by the division for
programs administered by the bureau of child care services, including
a contract for the administration of the programs authorized under
IC 12-12.7-2 and this chapter, may include a provision for advance
funding if the provision is not inconsistent with the terms of any
applicable federal law or regulation and any of the following
conditions is met:
(1) The annual contract amount is at least fifty thousand dollars
($50,000) and the advance funding is not more than one-sixth
(1/6) of the contract amount.
(2) The annual contract amount is less than fifty thousand
dollars ($50,000) and the advance funding is not more than
one-half (1/2) of the contract amount.
(3) The advance funding is in the form of interim payments,
with subsequent reconciliation of the amounts paid under the
contract and the cost of the services actually provided. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.93-2006, SEC.12.
IC 12-17-19-20 Requirements for receipt of coordination grant
Sec. 20. In order for the eligible entities in a county to receive a
coordination grant, the following must occur:
(1) One (1) convener located within the county must submit to
the panel, on or before August 1 of a year and under an
agreement by the eligible entities in the county, an application
for a coordination grant that:
(A) designates a step ahead county coordinator to facilitate
the development of the proposal;
(B) designates a fiscal agent to receive the coordination
grant; and
(C) includes any other information required under the
guidelines.
(2) Upon review of each application, the panel shall designate
each step ahead county and shall award a coordination grant to
the fiscal agent described in subdivision (1). As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-21 Receipt of coordination grant; development and submission of
implementation proposal
Sec. 21. Upon receipt of a coordination grant, the step ahead
county coordinator shall initiate the development of a detailed
proposal to qualify for an implementation grant. The step ahead
county coordinator shall submit the proposal to the panel on or
before December 31 of the year in which the application is
submitted. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-22 Implementation proposal; requirements
Sec. 22. The proposal submitted under section 21 of this chapter
must comply with the following minimum requirements:
(1) Include a detailed description of the manner in which the
eligible programs available within the county are to be
implemented, coordinated, and monitored.
(2) Certify that each eligible entity shall request and obtain a
limited criminal history on each prospective employee hired by
the eligible entity.
(3) Designate a fiscal agent to administer the implementation
grant.
(4) Demonstrate how at least the following eligible programs
may be offered, coordinated, and monitored within the entire
county under an agreement with the providers of the following
eligible programs:
(A) Preschool, including Head Start under 42 U.S.C. 9831 et
seq., special education preschool, or developmental child
care programs for preschool children.
(B) Child care programs.
(C) The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and
Treatment program under 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.
(D) Early intervention parent information programs.
(E) Individual family service plans.
(F) School age child care programs (commonly referred to
as latch key programs).
(G) Student reading skills improvement grants under 20
U.S.C. 6361 et seq.
(H) Parental involvement programs.
(I) Child care programs aimed at serving children of teenage
parents to encourage the teenage parents to graduate from
high school or participate in vocational training.
(J) Vocational training programs for unemployed parents.
(K) Health, nutrition, and vaccination programs.
(L) State medical assistance services for eligible individuals
under IC 12-15.
(5) Certify that the eligible programs described in subdivision
(4) are provided at no cost to parents of children who qualify
under the income eligibility guidelines and at an affordable or
sliding fee for other parents.
(6) Describe the manner in which the implementation grant will
be directed to and expended by eligible programs. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-23 Distribution of implementation grants; priority for continued state
funding
Sec. 23. (a) The fiscal agent for the implementation grant may
distribute the implementation grant received under this chapter in
accordance with the approved proposal.
(b) If an eligible entity received state funds to implement an
eligible program before becoming a step ahead eligible program, the
eligible entity shall be given priority with regard to receiving
continued state funding to implement the eligible program under this
chapter with no break in continuity of service from the prior year. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-24 Assessment of programs and services
Sec. 24. (a) To evaluate the effectiveness of step ahead as the
program relates to the step ahead goals listed in section 13 of this
chapter, the panel shall employ the following assessment
mechanisms:
(1) The step ahead county coordinator shall annually report to
the panel on the development, quality, and appropriateness of
the individual family service plans for children whose parents
qualify under the income eligibility guidelines.
(2) The step ahead county coordinator shall annually report to
the panel on the number of children who:
(A) are using step ahead services; and
(B) do not qualify under the income eligibility guidelines.
(3) The panel shall annually assess the results of any readiness
program under IC 20-20-26 for students in kindergarten and
grade 1 to determine whether children enrolling in school after
benefiting from step ahead demonstrate greater readiness for
learning. The department of education shall cooperate with the
panel in this regard by assisting in defining the term "readiness"
and supporting the evaluation based on knowledge and training
in early childhood.
(4) Any other valid assessment technique or method approved
by the panel.
(b) The panel shall implement a schedule for assessing step ahead
programs, using prior evaluation results and techniques learned
through the department of education's pilot preschool programs. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-25 Developmental child care programs for preschool children
Sec. 25. (a) Each step ahead proposal must provide for the
implementation of a preschool or developmental child care program
for preschool children.
(b) The goals of the preschool or developmental child care
program for preschool children are to:
(1) enhance the child's readiness for learning and facilitate the
transition from home to school when the preschool child
reaches the age of compulsory school attendance;
(2) identify developmental problems or concerns in preschool
children and make referrals to the appropriate service providers
or to provide the appropriate services;
(3) prevent disruptive employment conditions for parents who
are employed; and
(4) ensure a continuity in access to step ahead programs as each
preschool child nears the age of compulsory school attendance.
(c) To qualify for an implementation grant under this chapter for
preschool or developmental child care programs for preschool
children, the eligible entity implementing a preschool or
developmental child care program for preschool children must
demonstrate cooperation with the following programs within the
county:
(1) Public schools, particularly those public schools that
provide preschool or special education preschool services.
(2) Head Start programs under 42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.
(3) Infants and toddlers with disabilities programs under
IC 12-12.7-2.
(4) County health department programs.
(5) Private industry council programs.
(6) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs under 42
U.S.C. 1786 et seq.
(7) Community mental retardation and mental health centers
that provide services to preschool children with disabilities.
(8) The county office of family and children.
(9) Consumer representation groups. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.93-2006, SEC.13.
IC 12-17-19
Chapter 19. Step Ahead Comprehensive Early Childhood Grant
Program
IC 12-17-19-1 "Convener"
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "convener" means:
(1) an organization that:
(A) is nonprofit;
(B) is nongovernmental;
(C) is not religiously affiliated;
(D) operates countywide; and
(E) serves multiple agencies;
(2) a school corporation (as defined in IC 20-18-2-16); or
(3) another entity approved by the panel. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-2 "Coordination grant"
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "coordination grant" refers to a
step ahead grant awarded to initiate the development of a step ahead
proposal. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-3 "Eligible entity"
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "eligible entity" means any of the
following:
(1) A school corporation (as defined in IC 20-18-2-16).
(2) An organization approved by the panel.
(3) A combination of eligible entities described in subdivisions
(1) and (2) under a cooperative agreement among the eligible
entities. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-4 "Eligible program"
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "eligible program" means a
federal, state, local, or private program or service that serves, assists,
or otherwise benefits a child and is approved by the governor and the
panel under guidelines developed under section 18 of this chapter.
The term includes the following programs or services:
(1) Child care.
(2) Preschool, including special education preschool.
(3) Parent information, including parents as teachers programs.
(4) School age child care (commonly referred to as latch key)
as described in IC 12-17-12-5 and IC 20-26-5-1(c), including
latch key services for kindergarten students.
(5) Early identification and early intervention.
(6) Maternal and child nutrition.
(7) Health and screening. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-5 "Implementation grant"
Sec. 5. (a) As used in this chapter, "implementation grant" refers
to a step ahead grant that is awarded to a step ahead county to
provide financial assistance to eligible entities providing eligible
programs.
(b) The term includes the use of available state appropriations and
available federal funds, including federal funds received under the
Child Care and Development Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et
seq. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-6 "Income eligibility guidelines"
Sec. 6. As used in this chapter, "income eligibility guidelines"
refers to the income eligibility guidelines prescribed by the panel
under section 18 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-7 "Panel"
Sec. 7. As used in this chapter, "panel" refers to the step ahead
statewide panel established by section 14 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-8 "Parent"
Sec. 8. As used in this chapter, "parent" means an individual who
has legal custody of a child. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-9 "Step ahead"
Sec. 9. As used in this chapter, "step ahead" refers to the step
ahead comprehensive early childhood grant program established by
section 11 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-10 "Step ahead county"
Sec. 10. As used in this chapter, "step ahead county" refers to a
county in which an eligible entity has been awarded coordination and
implementation grants. The term may include more than one (1)
county as provided in section 18 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-11 Establishment of program; purpose; administration of Child Care
and Development Block Grant; state funding
Sec. 11. (a) The step ahead comprehensive early childhood grant
program is established to provide financial assistance and other
incentives to eligible entities to implement, coordinate, and monitor
eligible programs countywide.
(b) The division shall administer the Child Care and Development
Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq. received by the division in
accordance with the guidelines established by the panel under section
18 of this chapter.
(c) The panel shall use available state funds to the extent the
general assembly makes an appropriation under this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-12 Unexpended money does not revert to general fund
Sec. 12. Unexpended money appropriated from the state general
fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter does not revert to the
state general fund at the end of a state fiscal year. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-13 Goals of program
Sec. 13. The goals of step ahead are to:
(1) identify and recognize the various eligible programs
available in each county at federal, state, local, and private
levels;
(2) encourage coordination and cooperation among the eligible
programs described in subdivision (1) and to discourage
duplication of services;
(3) provide comprehensive eligible programs countywide that
are accessible to all eligible children and affordable to the
children's parents;
(4) recognize the specific service needs of and unique resources
available to particular counties, develop statewide resource
listings, and incorporate flexibility regarding the
implementation of eligible programs;
(5) prevent or minimize the potential for developmental delay
in children before the children reach the age of compulsory
school attendance under IC 20-33-2;
(6) enhance certain federally funded eligible programs;
(7) strengthen the family unit through:
(A) encouragement of parental involvement in a child's
development and education;
(B) prevention of disruptive employment conditions for
parents who are employed; and
(C) enhancement of the capacity of families to meet the
special needs of their children, including those children with
disabilities;
(8) reduce the educational costs to society by reducing the need
for special education services after children reach school age;
(9) ensure that children with disabilities are integrated, when
appropriate, into programs available to children without
disabilities; and
(10) ensure that every child who enrolls in kindergarten in
Indiana has benefited since birth from eligible programs
available under step ahead. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.99-2007, SEC.97.
IC 12-17-19-14 Step ahead statewide panel; establishment; membership;
chairperson
Sec. 14. (a) The step ahead statewide panel is established to
implement the step ahead program.
(b) The panel consists of the following members:
(1) Six (6) members who:
(A) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the
governor; and
(B) are selected from representatives of the following state
agencies:
(i) Division of mental health and addiction.
(ii) State department of health.
(iii) The division.
(iv) Budget agency.
(v) Division of aging and rehabilitative services.
(vi) Department of education.
(vii) Executive staff of the lieutenant governor with
knowledge in the area of employment and training
programs.
(viii) Executive staff of the governor.
(2) Five (5) members who:
(A) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the
governor;
(B) are representative of the private sector; and
(C) are knowledgeable in the field of early childhood
development.
(3) Four (4) members who:
(A) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the state
superintendent of public instruction; and
(B) are knowledgeable in early childhood education.
(4) One (1) member who:
(A) is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the
governor; and
(B) serves as the chairperson of the panel. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-15 Compensation of panel members
Sec. 15. (a) The members of the panel who are state employees
are entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses and other
expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties,
as provided in the state travel policies and procedures established by
the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget
agency.
(b) Each member of the panel who is not a state employee is
entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by
IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). A member who is not a state employee is also
entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses and other expenses
actually incurred in connection with the member's duties, as provided
in the state travel policies and procedures established by the Indiana
department of administration and approved by the budget agency. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-16 Panel utilization of division personnel
Sec. 16. The panel may use the personnel employed by the
division to assist the panel in implementing this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-17 Rules
Sec. 17. The panel may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement
this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-18 Panel powers and duties
Sec. 18. (a) The panel shall do the following:
(1) Establish guidelines to implement this chapter that comply
with the regulations governing the distribution of the Child Care
and Development Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.,
including guidelines on the following:
(A) Subject to the requirements under sections 20 and 22 of
this chapter, the content of the application and step ahead
proposal.
(B) The types of early childhood programs that are eligible
programs.
(C) Income eligibility guidelines for parents who are unable
to afford the services provided by eligible entities.
(D) Subject to the availability of funds, a schedule for
awarding coordination and implementation grants and the
criteria used to award those grants under this chapter,
including the following:
(i) The degree to which available eligible programs are
coordinated within the county under the proposal.
(ii) The extent of community commitment to step ahead
initiatives.
(iii) The relative need for the county to become a step
ahead county.
(iv) The extent to which multiple eligible programs and
services are collocated throughout the county, including
public schools.
(v) The extent to which the school corporations within the
county cooperate in step ahead initiatives.
(vi) The quality reflected by comprehensive programming
for preschool services and the commitment to consistent
staff training opportunities.
(vii) The extent to which proposed eligible programs
provide integrated programs for children with disabilities
and children without disabilities.
(E) Any limitations in the expenditure of step ahead grants.
(F) Requirements for grant recipients or the step ahead
county coordinator to report on the implementation of the
step ahead programs within the county.
(G) The distribution of federal funds, including the Child
Care and Development Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et
seq., and other available funds to eligible programs.
(H) Any other pertinent matter.
(2) Develop minimum standards for eligible programs.
(3) Review each step ahead application for a coordination grant
and each proposal for an implementation grant submitted by the
convener.
(4) Approve those proposals that comply with this chapter.
(5) Conduct the assessments of step ahead programs under
section 24 of this chapter.
(6) Monitor the overall implementation of step ahead,
encourage the collaboration through the department of
education's early childhood division to promote consistency in
state efforts for young children, and report to the governor on
the implementation of step ahead.
(7) Any other task to facilitate the implementation of step
ahead.
(b) The panel may contract for services to assist in the
implementation of the step ahead program.
(c) The panel may designate as a step ahead county and step ahead
grant recipient more than one (1) county if the participating counties:
(1) are contiguous to each other; and
(2) agree to jointly comply with this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.99-2007, SEC.98.
IC 12-17-19-19 Child care services bureau contracts; advance funding provisions
Sec. 19. Notwithstanding IC 4-13-2-20 and IC 12-8-10-7 and in
addition to the authorization to enter into contracts for services under
section 18(b) of this chapter, a contract issued by the division for
programs administered by the bureau of child care services, including
a contract for the administration of the programs authorized under
IC 12-12.7-2 and this chapter, may include a provision for advance
funding if the provision is not inconsistent with the terms of any
applicable federal law or regulation and any of the following
conditions is met:
(1) The annual contract amount is at least fifty thousand dollars
($50,000) and the advance funding is not more than one-sixth
(1/6) of the contract amount.
(2) The annual contract amount is less than fifty thousand
dollars ($50,000) and the advance funding is not more than
one-half (1/2) of the contract amount.
(3) The advance funding is in the form of interim payments,
with subsequent reconciliation of the amounts paid under the
contract and the cost of the services actually provided. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.93-2006, SEC.12.
IC 12-17-19-20 Requirements for receipt of coordination grant
Sec. 20. In order for the eligible entities in a county to receive a
coordination grant, the following must occur:
(1) One (1) convener located within the county must submit to
the panel, on or before August 1 of a year and under an
agreement by the eligible entities in the county, an application
for a coordination grant that:
(A) designates a step ahead county coordinator to facilitate
the development of the proposal;
(B) designates a fiscal agent to receive the coordination
grant; and
(C) includes any other information required under the
guidelines.
(2) Upon review of each application, the panel shall designate
each step ahead county and shall award a coordination grant to
the fiscal agent described in subdivision (1). As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-21 Receipt of coordination grant; development and submission of
implementation proposal
Sec. 21. Upon receipt of a coordination grant, the step ahead
county coordinator shall initiate the development of a detailed
proposal to qualify for an implementation grant. The step ahead
county coordinator shall submit the proposal to the panel on or
before December 31 of the year in which the application is
submitted. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-22 Implementation proposal; requirements
Sec. 22. The proposal submitted under section 21 of this chapter
must comply with the following minimum requirements:
(1) Include a detailed description of the manner in which the
eligible programs available within the county are to be
implemented, coordinated, and monitored.
(2) Certify that each eligible entity shall request and obtain a
limited criminal history on each prospective employee hired by
the eligible entity.
(3) Designate a fiscal agent to administer the implementation
grant.
(4) Demonstrate how at least the following eligible programs
may be offered, coordinated, and monitored within the entire
county under an agreement with the providers of the following
eligible programs:
(A) Preschool, including Head Start under 42 U.S.C. 9831 et
seq., special education preschool, or developmental child
care programs for preschool children.
(B) Child care programs.
(C) The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and
Treatment program under 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.
(D) Early intervention parent information programs.
(E) Individual family service plans.
(F) School age child care programs (commonly referred to
as latch key programs).
(G) Student reading skills improvement grants under 20
U.S.C. 6361 et seq.
(H) Parental involvement programs.
(I) Child care programs aimed at serving children of teenage
parents to encourage the teenage parents to graduate from
high school or participate in vocational training.
(J) Vocational training programs for unemployed parents.
(K) Health, nutrition, and vaccination programs.
(L) State medical assistance services for eligible individuals
under IC 12-15.
(5) Certify that the eligible programs described in subdivision
(4) are provided at no cost to parents of children who qualify
under the income eligibility guidelines and at an affordable or
sliding fee for other parents.
(6) Describe the manner in which the implementation grant will
be directed to and expended by eligible programs. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-23 Distribution of implementation grants; priority for continued state
funding
Sec. 23. (a) The fiscal agent for the implementation grant may
distribute the implementation grant received under this chapter in
accordance with the approved proposal.
(b) If an eligible entity received state funds to implement an
eligible program before becoming a step ahead eligible program, the
eligible entity shall be given priority with regard to receiving
continued state funding to implement the eligible program under this
chapter with no break in continuity of service from the prior year. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-24 Assessment of programs and services
Sec. 24. (a) To evaluate the effectiveness of step ahead as the
program relates to the step ahead goals listed in section 13 of this
chapter, the panel shall employ the following assessment
mechanisms:
(1) The step ahead county coordinator shall annually report to
the panel on the development, quality, and appropriateness of
the individual family service plans for children whose parents
qualify under the income eligibility guidelines.
(2) The step ahead county coordinator shall annually report to
the panel on the number of children who:
(A) are using step ahead services; and
(B) do not qualify under the income eligibility guidelines.
(3) The panel shall annually assess the results of any readiness
program under IC 20-20-26 for students in kindergarten and
grade 1 to determine whether children enrolling in school after
benefiting from step ahead demonstrate greater readiness for
learning. The department of education shall cooperate with the
panel in this regard by assisting in defining the term "readiness"
and supporting the evaluation based on knowledge and training
in early childhood.
(4) Any other valid assessment technique or method approved
by the panel.
(b) The panel shall implement a schedule for assessing step ahead
programs, using prior evaluation results and techniques learned
through the department of education's pilot preschool programs. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-25 Developmental child care programs for preschool children
Sec. 25. (a) Each step ahead proposal must provide for the
implementation of a preschool or developmental child care program
for preschool children.
(b) The goals of the preschool or developmental child care
program for preschool children are to:
(1) enhance the child's readiness for learning and facilitate the
transition from home to school when the preschool child
reaches the age of compulsory school attendance;
(2) identify developmental problems or concerns in preschool
children and make referrals to the appropriate service providers
or to provide the appropriate services;
(3) prevent disruptive employment conditions for parents who
are employed; and
(4) ensure a continuity in access to step ahead programs as each
preschool child nears the age of compulsory school attendance.
(c) To qualify for an implementation grant under this chapter for
preschool or developmental child care programs for preschool
children, the eligible entity implementing a preschool or
developmental child care program for preschool children must
demonstrate cooperation with the following programs within the
county:
(1) Public schools, particularly those public schools that
provide preschool or special education preschool services.
(2) Head Start programs under 42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.
(3) Infants and toddlers with disabilities programs under
IC 12-12.7-2.
(4) County health department programs.
(5) Private industry council programs.
(6) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs under 42
U.S.C. 1786 et seq.
(7) Community mental retardation and mental health centers
that provide services to preschool children with disabilities.
(8) The county office of family and children.
(9) Consumer representation groups. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.93-2006, SEC.13.
IC 12-17-19
Chapter 19. Step Ahead Comprehensive Early Childhood Grant
Program
IC 12-17-19-1 "Convener"
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "convener" means:
(1) an organization that:
(A) is nonprofit;
(B) is nongovernmental;
(C) is not religiously affiliated;
(D) operates countywide; and
(E) serves multiple agencies;
(2) a school corporation (as defined in IC 20-18-2-16); or
(3) another entity approved by the panel. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-2 "Coordination grant"
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "coordination grant" refers to a
step ahead grant awarded to initiate the development of a step ahead
proposal. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-3 "Eligible entity"
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "eligible entity" means any of the
following:
(1) A school corporation (as defined in IC 20-18-2-16).
(2) An organization approved by the panel.
(3) A combination of eligible entities described in subdivisions
(1) and (2) under a cooperative agreement among the eligible
entities. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-4 "Eligible program"
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "eligible program" means a
federal, state, local, or private program or service that serves, assists,
or otherwise benefits a child and is approved by the governor and the
panel under guidelines developed under section 18 of this chapter.
The term includes the following programs or services:
(1) Child care.
(2) Preschool, including special education preschool.
(3) Parent information, including parents as teachers programs.
(4) School age child care (commonly referred to as latch key)
as described in IC 12-17-12-5 and IC 20-26-5-1(c), including
latch key services for kindergarten students.
(5) Early identification and early intervention.
(6) Maternal and child nutrition.
(7) Health and screening. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-5 "Implementation grant"
Sec. 5. (a) As used in this chapter, "implementation grant" refers
to a step ahead grant that is awarded to a step ahead county to
provide financial assistance to eligible entities providing eligible
programs.
(b) The term includes the use of available state appropriations and
available federal funds, including federal funds received under the
Child Care and Development Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et
seq. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-6 "Income eligibility guidelines"
Sec. 6. As used in this chapter, "income eligibility guidelines"
refers to the income eligibility guidelines prescribed by the panel
under section 18 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-7 "Panel"
Sec. 7. As used in this chapter, "panel" refers to the step ahead
statewide panel established by section 14 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-8 "Parent"
Sec. 8. As used in this chapter, "parent" means an individual who
has legal custody of a child. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-9 "Step ahead"
Sec. 9. As used in this chapter, "step ahead" refers to the step
ahead comprehensive early childhood grant program established by
section 11 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-10 "Step ahead county"
Sec. 10. As used in this chapter, "step ahead county" refers to a
county in which an eligible entity has been awarded coordination and
implementation grants. The term may include more than one (1)
county as provided in section 18 of this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-11 Establishment of program; purpose; administration of Child Care
and Development Block Grant; state funding
Sec. 11. (a) The step ahead comprehensive early childhood grant
program is established to provide financial assistance and other
incentives to eligible entities to implement, coordinate, and monitor
eligible programs countywide.
(b) The division shall administer the Child Care and Development
Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq. received by the division in
accordance with the guidelines established by the panel under section
18 of this chapter.
(c) The panel shall use available state funds to the extent the
general assembly makes an appropriation under this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-12 Unexpended money does not revert to general fund
Sec. 12. Unexpended money appropriated from the state general
fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter does not revert to the
state general fund at the end of a state fiscal year. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-13 Goals of program
Sec. 13. The goals of step ahead are to:
(1) identify and recognize the various eligible programs
available in each county at federal, state, local, and private
levels;
(2) encourage coordination and cooperation among the eligible
programs described in subdivision (1) and to discourage
duplication of services;
(3) provide comprehensive eligible programs countywide that
are accessible to all eligible children and affordable to the
children's parents;
(4) recognize the specific service needs of and unique resources
available to particular counties, develop statewide resource
listings, and incorporate flexibility regarding the
implementation of eligible programs;
(5) prevent or minimize the potential for developmental delay
in children before the children reach the age of compulsory
school attendance under IC 20-33-2;
(6) enhance certain federally funded eligible programs;
(7) strengthen the family unit through:
(A) encouragement of parental involvement in a child's
development and education;
(B) prevention of disruptive employment conditions for
parents who are employed; and
(C) enhancement of the capacity of families to meet the
special needs of their children, including those children with
disabilities;
(8) reduce the educational costs to society by reducing the need
for special education services after children reach school age;
(9) ensure that children with disabilities are integrated, when
appropriate, into programs available to children without
disabilities; and
(10) ensure that every child who enrolls in kindergarten in
Indiana has benefited since birth from eligible programs
available under step ahead. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.99-2007, SEC.97.
IC 12-17-19-14 Step ahead statewide panel; establishment; membership;
chairperson
Sec. 14. (a) The step ahead statewide panel is established to
implement the step ahead program.
(b) The panel consists of the following members:
(1) Six (6) members who:
(A) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the
governor; and
(B) are selected from representatives of the following state
agencies:
(i) Division of mental health and addiction.
(ii) State department of health.
(iii) The division.
(iv) Budget agency.
(v) Division of aging and rehabilitative services.
(vi) Department of education.
(vii) Executive staff of the lieutenant governor with
knowledge in the area of employment and training
programs.
(viii) Executive staff of the governor.
(2) Five (5) members who:
(A) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the
governor;
(B) are representative of the private sector; and
(C) are knowledgeable in the field of early childhood
development.
(3) Four (4) members who:
(A) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the state
superintendent of public instruction; and
(B) are knowledgeable in early childhood education.
(4) One (1) member who:
(A) is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the
governor; and
(B) serves as the chairperson of the panel. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-15 Compensation of panel members
Sec. 15. (a) The members of the panel who are state employees
are entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses and other
expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties,
as provided in the state travel policies and procedures established by
the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget
agency.
(b) Each member of the panel who is not a state employee is
entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by
IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). A member who is not a state employee is also
entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses and other expenses
actually incurred in connection with the member's duties, as provided
in the state travel policies and procedures established by the Indiana
department of administration and approved by the budget agency. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-16 Panel utilization of division personnel
Sec. 16. The panel may use the personnel employed by the
division to assist the panel in implementing this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-17 Rules
Sec. 17. The panel may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement
this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-18 Panel powers and duties
Sec. 18. (a) The panel shall do the following:
(1) Establish guidelines to implement this chapter that comply
with the regulations governing the distribution of the Child Care
and Development Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.,
including guidelines on the following:
(A) Subject to the requirements under sections 20 and 22 of
this chapter, the content of the application and step ahead
proposal.
(B) The types of early childhood programs that are eligible
programs.
(C) Income eligibility guidelines for parents who are unable
to afford the services provided by eligible entities.
(D) Subject to the availability of funds, a schedule for
awarding coordination and implementation grants and the
criteria used to award those grants under this chapter,
including the following:
(i) The degree to which available eligible programs are
coordinated within the county under the proposal.
(ii) The extent of community commitment to step ahead
initiatives.
(iii) The relative need for the county to become a step
ahead county.
(iv) The extent to which multiple eligible programs and
services are collocated throughout the county, including
public schools.
(v) The extent to which the school corporations within the
county cooperate in step ahead initiatives.
(vi) The quality reflected by comprehensive programming
for preschool services and the commitment to consistent
staff training opportunities.
(vii) The extent to which proposed eligible programs
provide integrated programs for children with disabilities
and children without disabilities.
(E) Any limitations in the expenditure of step ahead grants.
(F) Requirements for grant recipients or the step ahead
county coordinator to report on the implementation of the
step ahead programs within the county.
(G) The distribution of federal funds, including the Child
Care and Development Block Grant under 42 U.S.C. 9858 et
seq., and other available funds to eligible programs.
(H) Any other pertinent matter.
(2) Develop minimum standards for eligible programs.
(3) Review each step ahead application for a coordination grant
and each proposal for an implementation grant submitted by the
convener.
(4) Approve those proposals that comply with this chapter.
(5) Conduct the assessments of step ahead programs under
section 24 of this chapter.
(6) Monitor the overall implementation of step ahead,
encourage the collaboration through the department of
education's early childhood division to promote consistency in
state efforts for young children, and report to the governor on
the implementation of step ahead.
(7) Any other task to facilitate the implementation of step
ahead.
(b) The panel may contract for services to assist in the
implementation of the step ahead program.
(c) The panel may designate as a step ahead county and step ahead
grant recipient more than one (1) county if the participating counties:
(1) are contiguous to each other; and
(2) agree to jointly comply with this chapter. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.99-2007, SEC.98.
IC 12-17-19-19 Child care services bureau contracts; advance funding provisions
Sec. 19. Notwithstanding IC 4-13-2-20 and IC 12-8-10-7 and in
addition to the authorization to enter into contracts for services under
section 18(b) of this chapter, a contract issued by the division for
programs administered by the bureau of child care services, including
a contract for the administration of the programs authorized under
IC 12-12.7-2 and this chapter, may include a provision for advance
funding if the provision is not inconsistent with the terms of any
applicable federal law or regulation and any of the following
conditions is met:
(1) The annual contract amount is at least fifty thousand dollars
($50,000) and the advance funding is not more than one-sixth
(1/6) of the contract amount.
(2) The annual contract amount is less than fifty thousand
dollars ($50,000) and the advance funding is not more than
one-half (1/2) of the contract amount.
(3) The advance funding is in the form of interim payments,
with subsequent reconciliation of the amounts paid under the
contract and the cost of the services actually provided. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.93-2006, SEC.12.
IC 12-17-19-20 Requirements for receipt of coordination grant
Sec. 20. In order for the eligible entities in a county to receive a
coordination grant, the following must occur:
(1) One (1) convener located within the county must submit to
the panel, on or before August 1 of a year and under an
agreement by the eligible entities in the county, an application
for a coordination grant that:
(A) designates a step ahead county coordinator to facilitate
the development of the proposal;
(B) designates a fiscal agent to receive the coordination
grant; and
(C) includes any other information required under the
guidelines.
(2) Upon review of each application, the panel shall designate
each step ahead county and shall award a coordination grant to
the fiscal agent described in subdivision (1). As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-21 Receipt of coordination grant; development and submission of
implementation proposal
Sec. 21. Upon receipt of a coordination grant, the step ahead
county coordinator shall initiate the development of a detailed
proposal to qualify for an implementation grant. The step ahead
county coordinator shall submit the proposal to the panel on or
before December 31 of the year in which the application is
submitted. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-22 Implementation proposal; requirements
Sec. 22. The proposal submitted under section 21 of this chapter
must comply with the following minimum requirements:
(1) Include a detailed description of the manner in which the
eligible programs available within the county are to be
implemented, coordinated, and monitored.
(2) Certify that each eligible entity shall request and obtain a
limited criminal history on each prospective employee hired by
the eligible entity.
(3) Designate a fiscal agent to administer the implementation
grant.
(4) Demonstrate how at least the following eligible programs
may be offered, coordinated, and monitored within the entire
county under an agreement with the providers of the following
eligible programs:
(A) Preschool, including Head Start under 42 U.S.C. 9831 et
seq., special education preschool, or developmental child
care programs for preschool children.
(B) Child care programs.
(C) The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and
Treatment program under 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.
(D) Early intervention parent information programs.
(E) Individual family service plans.
(F) School age child care programs (commonly referred to
as latch key programs).
(G) Student reading skills improvement grants under 20
U.S.C. 6361 et seq.
(H) Parental involvement programs.
(I) Child care programs aimed at serving children of teenage
parents to encourage the teenage parents to graduate from
high school or participate in vocational training.
(J) Vocational training programs for unemployed parents.
(K) Health, nutrition, and vaccination programs.
(L) State medical assistance services for eligible individuals
under IC 12-15.
(5) Certify that the eligible programs described in subdivision
(4) are provided at no cost to parents of children who qualify
under the income eligibility guidelines and at an affordable or
sliding fee for other parents.
(6) Describe the manner in which the implementation grant will
be directed to and expended by eligible programs. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-23 Distribution of implementation grants; priority for continued state
funding
Sec. 23. (a) The fiscal agent for the implementation grant may
distribute the implementation grant received under this chapter in
accordance with the approved proposal.
(b) If an eligible entity received state funds to implement an
eligible program before becoming a step ahead eligible program, the
eligible entity shall be given priority with regard to receiving
continued state funding to implement the eligible program under this
chapter with no break in continuity of service from the prior year. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-24 Assessment of programs and services
Sec. 24. (a) To evaluate the effectiveness of step ahead as the
program relates to the step ahead goals listed in section 13 of this
chapter, the panel shall employ the following assessment
mechanisms:
(1) The step ahead county coordinator shall annually report to
the panel on the development, quality, and appropriateness of
the individual family service plans for children whose parents
qualify under the income eligibility guidelines.
(2) The step ahead county coordinator shall annually report to
the panel on the number of children who:
(A) are using step ahead services; and
(B) do not qualify under the income eligibility guidelines.
(3) The panel shall annually assess the results of any readiness
program under IC 20-20-26 for students in kindergarten and
grade 1 to determine whether children enrolling in school after
benefiting from step ahead demonstrate greater readiness for
learning. The department of education shall cooperate with the
panel in this regard by assisting in defining the term "readiness"
and supporting the evaluation based on knowledge and training
in early childhood.
(4) Any other valid assessment technique or method approved
by the panel.
(b) The panel shall implement a schedule for assessing step ahead
programs, using prior evaluation results and techniques learned
through the department of education's pilot preschool programs. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32.
IC 12-17-19-25 Developmental child care programs for preschool children
Sec. 25. (a) Each step ahead proposal must provide for the
implementation of a preschool or developmental child care program
for preschool children.
(b) The goals of the preschool or developmental child care
program for preschool children are to:
(1) enhance the child's readiness for learning and facilitate the
transition from home to school when the preschool child
reaches the age of compulsory school attendance;
(2) identify developmental problems or concerns in preschool
children and make referrals to the appropriate service providers
or to provide the appropriate services;
(3) prevent disruptive employment conditions for parents who
are employed; and
(4) ensure a continuity in access to step ahead programs as each
preschool child nears the age of compulsory school attendance.
(c) To qualify for an implementation grant under this chapter for
preschool or developmental child care programs for preschool
children, the eligible entity implementing a preschool or
developmental child care program for preschool children must
demonstrate cooperation with the following programs within the
county:
(1) Public schools, particularly those public schools that
provide preschool or special education preschool services.
(2) Head Start programs under 42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.
(3) Infants and toddlers with disabilities programs under
IC 12-12.7-2.
(4) County health department programs.
(5) Private industry council programs.
(6) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs under 42
U.S.C. 1786 et seq.
(7) Community mental retardation and mental health centers
that provide services to preschool children with disabilities.
(8) The county office of family and children.
(9) Consumer representation groups. As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.93-2006, SEC.13.
