Section 235.60  Application Content and Approval for Continuation Programs

The requirements of this Section shall apply to those applicants seeking funding to continue preschool education and prevention initiative programs beyond the initial grant period. 

a)         In order to continue to operate an Early Childhood Block Grant Program, a grantee each year shall electronically submit an application for continuation.  The application shall include at least the following:

1)         an overview of the program, addressing the program components outlined in Section 235.20 and either Section 235.30 or Section 235.40, as applicable for preschool education or prevention initiative programs;

2)         if applicable, a description of progress the applicant has made in remedying any deficiencies identified pursuant to Section 235.67 within the timelines specified for compliance;

3)         budget summary and payment schedule as well as a budget breakdown, i.e., a detailed explanation of each line item of expenditure; and

4)         the certifications and assurances referred to in Section 235.20(c)(18) applicable to the renewal period.

b)         An Early Childhood Education Block Grant Program shall be approved for continuation provided that:

1)         a need continues to exist for the program, as evidenced by the number or proportion of children and families to be served;

2)         the program components proposed will be effective in assisting at-risk children and families;

3)         deficiencies identified pursuant to Section 235.67 have been corrected and/or significant progress is being made within the timelines specified in the continuous quality improvement plan;

4)         the proposed budget is cost-effective, as evidenced by the cost of proposed services in relation to the numbers to be served and the services to be provided; and

5)         in the year previous to the continuation application, the applicant complied with the terms and conditions of any grant it received pursuant to this Subpart A.

(Source:  Amended at 39 Ill. Reg. 6674, effective April 27, 2015)