[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21765-21767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10720]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. ACYF/HS-2001-10]


Fiscal Year 2001 Discretionary Announcement for Head Start--
Higher Education Hispanic/Latino Service Partnerships: Availability of 
Funds and Request for Applications

AGENCY: Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF).

ACTION: Notice.

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    Statutory Authority: The Head Start Act, as amended 42 U.S.C. 
9801 et seq.

SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), 
Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) announces the 
availability of approximately $500,000 annually for each of four (4) 
years to support Head Start-Higher Education Hispanic/Latino Service 
Partnerships (HS-HEHLSPs). The goal of this HS-HEHLSPs initiative is to 
improve the quality and long term effectiveness of Head Start and Early 
Head Start programs by developing models of academic training through 
partnerships between institutions of higher education and Head Start 
and Early Head Start agencies. The priority for this funding is: 
Partnerships to increase the number of center-based teachers with AA, 
BA or advanced degrees in early childhood education or related fields 
earned by Head Start teachers, in order to assist Head Start grantees 
to meet the 2003 Congressional mandate and to provide teachers with 
knowledge areas vital in building quality Head Start programs.

DATES: The closing date and time for receipt of application is 4:30 
p.m. (Eastern Time Zone), June 15, 2001.

    Note: Applications should be submitted to: ACYF Operations 
Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 
22209.

    However, prior to preparing and submitting an application, in order 
to satisfactorily compete under this announcement, it will be necessary 
for potential applicants to read the full announcement which is 
available through the addresses listed below.

ADDRESSES: Applications, including all necessary forms can be 
downloaded from the Head Start Web site at www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/hsb. The Web site also contains a listing of all Head Start and Early 
Head Start programs. Hard copies of the application may be obtained by 
writing or calling the Operations Center or sending an e-mail to 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ACYF Operations Center at: 1815 N. 
Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209 or 1-800-351-
2293.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education with 
experience and capability in educating and preparing professionals to 
work effectively with Hispanic young children and families are eligible 
to apply. Institutions that are currently funded under the Head Start--
Higher Education Hispanic Service partnerships are not eligible to 
apply under this announcement.
    Project Duration: The announcement is soliciting applications for 
project periods up to four years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will 
be for a one-year budget period, although projects may be for four 
years. Applications for continuation funds under these awards beyond 
the first year budget period, but within the established project 
period, will be entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive 
basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the 
grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the 
best interest of the Government.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum share is $150,000 for 
the first year of the four-year period. The Federal share is inclusive 
of indirect costs.
    Matching Requirements: There are no matching requirements.
    Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is anticipated that 
approximately four projects will be funded.
    Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is anticipated that 
approximately four projects will be funded.

Review Criteria

Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance: (10 Points)

    The extent to which the application identifies relevant physical, 
economic, social, financial, institutional or other problems requiring 
a grant; demonstrates the need for assistance; and states the principal 
and subordinate objectives of the project consistent with the purposes 
of the program announcement.
    The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following 
aspects of the applications:
    1. State the specific training objectives for the program. Indicate 
how these objectives are based on an assessment of staff training and 
program improvement needs of participant Head Start and Early Head 
Start agencies; how they related to Head Start goals, outcomes and 
policy priorities, and how they will enhance the quality of Head Start 
services to Hispanic/Latino children and their families.
    2. Describe the process used to assess the needs for the proposed 
program design. Specifically identify the population to be served in 
terms of numbers and types of staff to be trained and the proposed 
areas of training, course, and/or degrees to be awarded.
    3. Describe the development of the HS-HEHLSPs agreement and other 
consultation related to the development of the proposed initiative. 
Describe any efforts to frame the proposed initiative within broader 
state or community efforts to enhance professional and career 
development for staff in all forms of early childhood and child care 
programs.

Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected: (20 points)

    The extent to which the application identifies the results and 
benefits to be derived; describes the anticipated contribution to 
policy, practice, theory and/or research; specific benefits should be 
described for both the HS-HEHLSPs and Head Start/Migrant Head Start/
Early Head Start partners.
    The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following 
aspects of the applications:
    1. Based on the stated program objectives, identify the results and 
benefits to be derived. Identify the specific results or benefits that 
could be expected for the Head Start grantee(s) and the institution. 
Describe how the trainees benefit from the project.
    2. Identify both qualitative and quantitative data the applicant 
will collect to measure progress towards the stated results or 
benefits. Identify how the program will determine the extent to which 
it has achieved its stated objectives.
    3. Provide a projection of the estimated number of trainees, by 
category, who will earn degrees over the four year duration of the 
project based on an analysis of the current levels of

[[Page 21766]]

credits/courses earned by participants and a proposed sequence of 
courses.

Criterion 3. Approach (40 points)

    A. The extent to which the application outlines a sound and 
realistic plan of action pertaining to the scope of the project which 
details how the proposed work will be accomplished, including a 
timeline; lists of each organization, consultants, including the 
evaluator, or other key individuals who will work on the project along 
with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution; 
and assures the adequacy of time devoted to the project by key staff;
    B. The extent to which the project approach, if successfully 
carried out, is likely to achieve the proposed project objectives; and
    C. The applicant must fully describe the approach and/or 
methodology and delineate the relationship of each task to the 
accomplishment of the proposed objectives. There should be evidence 
that the planned approach reflects sufficient input from and 
partnership with Head Start/Migrant Head Start/Early Head Start and the 
HS-HEHLPs.
    The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following 
aspects of the applications:
    1. Describe the planning the applicant will conduct during the 
start-up period to prepare for implementation of the program. Provide 
assurance that no more than six months will be devoted to planning 
activities.
    2. Indicate how Head Start staff will be recruited and selected to 
participate in the program, including staff from other child care 
organizations that are collaborating with Head Start grantees and 
delegate agencies and meet Head Start performance standards within a 
given community.
    3. Describe how the training and coursework will be contextually 
and culturally relevant to the Head Start, Migrant Head Start and the 
Early Head Start environment and how it will contribute to enhancing 
the effectiveness of teachers, staff, program quality and outcomes for 
Head Start children and families.
    4. Describe efforts by the institution and Head Start partners to 
make training and coursework accessible to Head Start participants and 
to support their successful completion of courses, training, and 
degrees. Include a discussion of issues such as the timing, scheduling, 
and location of classes or training; support to enhance the literacy 
and study skills of participants; and approaches to integrate HS-
HEHLSPs training in the working environment of the Head Start program.
    5. Describe efforts to complement the federal funds requested in 
this proposal with other resources to maximize the benefits to Head 
Start and HS-HEHLSPs participants. Include any efforts or plans to 
assist Head Start staff in accessing sources of financial assistance or 
to make use of other funding for training and career development of 
early childhood program staff. In addition, describe any proposed 
contributions of funds from local Head Start programs to the 
partnership. Provide assurance that trainees will not be required to 
bear any costs of participating in training.
    6. Describe how previous CDA training and certification of Head 
Start staff, as well as previous coursework, credits or AA degrees from 
2-year institutions, will be linked to academic credits and course 
sequences leading to BA degrees.
    7. Describe the organizational structure that will support the 
project objectives. Indicate how joint planning and assessment with the 
Head Start, Migrant Head Start and Early Head Start grantees will be 
implemented with timelines and clear lines of responsibility. Indicate 
how staff positions are assigned and describe their major functions and 
responsibilities.
    8. Describe the activities that will continue after the completion 
of this project that will ensure that the institution will continue to 
participate in providing educational opportunities for Head Start, 
Migrant Head Start and Early Head Start staff.
    9. Include support letters that document consultation and support 
from the proposed grantee or delegate agency partners, the Head Start 
Collaboration Office, and any existing state level early childhood 
career development initiative.

Criterion 4. Staff and Position Data (20 points)

    Key staff should be qualified and knowledgeable of Head Start, 
Migrant Head Start and Early Head Start. The extent of the demonstrated 
capacity of the applicant organization, key leaders, managers and 
project personnel to:
    1. provide high quality, relevant, and responsive training to Head 
Start staff;
    2. assure participating project staff are competent to plan and 
deliver appropriate course material to Head Start trainees that is 
culturally relevant;
    3. manage the implementation of the training grant in an effective 
and timely manner; and
    4. manage successful partnership that involve sharing resources, 
staffing, and facilities.

Criterion 5. Budget and Budget Justification: (10 points)

    The extent to which the project's costs are reasonable and 
appropriate in view of the activities to be carried out and the 
anticipated outcomes. Provide a line item detail for the costs of 
attendance of project staff to attend ACF-sponsored conferences in 
Washington, DC. It is the expectation that applicants should limit 
budget projections to those costs necessary to build institutional 
capacity for and execute training and career development partnerships 
with participating Head Start grantees.

Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact

    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, and 45 CFR part 100, 
Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Program and Activities. Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs.
    All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, 
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, 
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, 
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, 
American Samoa and Palau have elected to participate in the Executive 
Order process and have established Single Points of Contact (SPOCs). 
Applicants from these twenty-four jurisdictions need take no action 
regarding Executive Order 12372. Applicants for projects to be 
administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes are also exempt from 
the requirements of Executive Order 12372. Otherwise, applicants should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the 
prospective applications and receive any necessary instructions. 
Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as 
possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments 
as part of the award process. It is imperative that the applicant 
submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the 
date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is 
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 6a.
    Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. 
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the

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submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations.
    Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between 
mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations 
which may trigger the accommodation or explain rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: William Wilson, Head Start Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20447, Attn: Head Start-Higher Education Hispanic/Latino 
Service Partnerships. A list of the Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) 
for each State and Territory can be found on the following web site: 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

    Dated: April 25, 2001.
Gail E. Collins,
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and 
Families.
[FR Doc. 01-10720 Filed 4-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-M