49-6-105 - Application for funding and approval Collaborative agreements.
49-6-105. Application for funding and approval Collaborative agreements.
(a) LEAs may apply to the department of education for funding and approval of one (1) or more pre-kindergarten programs. LEAs may contract and enter into collaborative agreements for operation of these programs with non-school system entities in the geographical area served by the LEA, including, but not limited to, nonprofit and for-profit child care providers and Head Start programs. LEAs shall not contract or collaborate with any child care provider licensed by the department of human services, unless that provider has attained the highest designation under the rated licensing system administered by the department of human services, pursuant to title 71, chapter 3, part 5.
(b) As part of the application process, the LEA shall include a statement that it has given consideration to how to serve all children four (4) years of age within the geographical area served by the LEA, in the event programs are later authorized for all children, regardless of at risk status. The long range plan shall include the proposed sources of local matching funds required under §§ 49-6-103, 49-6-104, this section and §§ 49-6-106 49-6-110. Where applicable, the LEA is encouraged to include a resolution of support from the local governing body indicating intent to appropriate the required local matching funds. Applications that target establishing programs for at-risk children not served by an existing program shall be given preference in the application process. Documentation of local financial support shall also be considered as a factor in the application process. LEAs are encouraged to collaborate with non-school system entities where such collaboration provides an efficient means for expansion of pre-kindergarten classrooms authorized under §§ 49-6-103, 49-6-104, this section and §§ 49-6-106 49-6-110.
(c) The commissioner of education shall establish the system for submitting applications and, subject to available funding, programs shall be approved on a competitive basis.
[Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 1.]