FLOWERS. New Act Creates the Early Childhood Grant Program Act. Establishes the Step Ahead Comprehensive Early Childhood Grant Program to award grants by county to certain entities that provide child care services. Creates the Step Ahead Panel to implement the grant program. Provides that the Panel shall consist of the Directors of Public Aid and Public Health, the Secretary of Human Services, and the State Superintendent of Education and other members appointed by the Governor. Provides that the Panel may award coordination grants and implementation grants. Provides that the Panel shall give priority to entities that already receive State funding to implement a program eligible for a grant under this Act. Requires that DCFS administer federal Child Care and Development Block Grant moneys in accordance with guidelines established by the Panel. 97-02-04 H FILED WITH CLERK 97-02-04 H FIRST READING 97-02-04 H REFERRED TO HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE RULES 97-02-06 H ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE CHLDRN YOUTH 97-03-21 H RE-REFERRED TO RULES COMM/RULE 19(A) RULES HRUL 99-01-12 H SESSION SINE DIE END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Summary