[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 169 (Friday, August 30, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53964-53990]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21138]



[[Page 53963]]

Vol. 78

Friday,

No. 169

August 30, 2013

Part III





Department of Education





-----------------------------------------------------------------------





34 CFR Chapter II





Department of Health and Human Services





-----------------------------------------------------------------------

45 CFR Subtitle A





Final Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria; 
Race to the Top--Early Learning Challenge; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 169 / Friday, August 30, 2013 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 53964]]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

34 CFR Chapter II

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

45 CFR Subtitle A

RIN 1810-AB18
[Docket ID ED-2013-OESE-0046]


Final Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection 
Criteria; Race to the Top--Early Learning Challenge

AGENCY: Department of Education and Department of Health and Human 
Services.

ACTION: Final priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection 
criteria.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[CFDA Number: 84.412A.]

SUMMARY: The Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services (hereafter ``the Secretaries'') announce priorities, 
requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for the Race to the 
Top--Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) program. The Secretaries may 
use one or more of these priorities, requirements, definitions, and 
selection criteria for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2013 and later 
years.
    The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS) (collectively, ``the Departments'') 
conducted the first competition under the RTT-ELC program in FY 2011 
and awarded grants to nine States. In FY 2012, the Departments funded 
the five next highest-rated applicants on the slate of high-scoring 
applications from the FY 2011 competition.
    In order to maintain the overall purpose and structure of the FY 
2011 RTT-ELC competition in future competitions, these final 
priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria are 
almost identical to the ones used in the FY 2011 competition, with the 
exception of small language clarifications and eight substantive 
changes from the prior competition.

DATES: These priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection 
criteria are effective September 30, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Miriam Lund. Telephone: (202) 401-2871 
or by email: [email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Summary

    Purpose of This Regulatory Action: The purpose of this document is 
to announce final priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection 
criteria for the RTT-ELC program that will enable effective grant 
making and result in high-quality proposals from States.
    Summary of the Major Provisions of this Regulatory Action: In this 
document, we establish final priorities, requirements, definitions, and 
selection criteria that are almost identical to those we used in the FY 
2011 competition with the exception of small language clarifications 
and eight substantive changes from the prior competition.
    Costs and Benefits: The Secretary believes that the costs imposed 
on applicants by these priorities, requirements, definitions, and 
selection criteria are limited to paperwork burden related to preparing 
an application and the benefits of implementing them would outweigh any 
costs to applicants. The costs of carrying out activities will be paid 
for with RTT-ELC grant funds. Thus, the costs of implementation would 
not be a burden for any eligible applicants, including small entities. 
Please refer to the Regulatory Impact Analysis in this document for a 
more complete discussion of the costs and benefits of this regulatory 
action.
    This document provides an accounting statement that estimates that 
approximately $280 million will transfer from the Federal Government to 
States under this program. Please refer to the accounting statement in 
this document for a more detailed discussion.
    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the RTT-ELC program is to 
improve the quality of early learning and development and close the 
educational gaps for children with high needs. This program focuses on 
improving early learning and development for young children by 
supporting States' efforts to increase the number and percentage of 
low-income and disadvantaged children, in each age group of infants, 
toddlers, and preschoolers, who are enrolled in high-quality early 
learning and development programs; and to design and implement an 
integrated system of high-quality early learning and development 
programs and services.

    Program Authority: Sections 14005 and 14006 of the American 
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) (Pub. L. 111-5), as 
amended by section 1832(b) of Division B of the Department of 
Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (Pub. L. 
112-10), and the Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2012 
(Title III of Division F of Pub. L. 112-74, the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2012).

    We published a notice of proposed priorities, requirements, 
definitions, and selection criteria (NPP) for this program in the 
Federal Register on May 20, 2013 (78 FR 29500). That notice contained 
background information and our reasons for proposing the particular 
priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for the 
RTT-ELC program.
    In response to comments received on the NPP, we have made the 
following changes. These changes are described in greater detail below 
in the Analysis of Comments and Changes section.
     We clarified that the professional development programs 
described in Priority 4 include other educators, such as administrators 
and related personnel, rather than just teachers.
     We added a priority, Priority 5, to allow States to 
describe strategies for addressing the unique needs of rural 
populations in their States.
     We added language to the definition of Kindergarten Entry 
Assessment \1\ (KEA) indicating that a KEA must not be used as a single 
measure for high-stakes decision-making.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Defined terms are used throughout the notice and are 
indicated by capitalization.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     We added a request for data on participation of children 
to be disaggregated by race and ethnicity to selection criterion 
(A)(1).
     We amended the list of potential stakeholders in selection 
criterion (A)(3)(c)(2) to include public television stations.
     We included language on supporting the social and 
emotional development of children in paragraph (c) of Priority 4 and 
selection criterion (C)(3)(e).
     We included language that supports soliciting and using 
parental input on children's needs and abilities in educational 
decision making in the definition of KEA and selection criterion 
(C)(2)(d) and (e).
     We added language relating to building family capacity to 
support children's learning and to build protective factors to 
paragraphs (b) and (e) in Priority 4, the definitions of KEA, Program 
Standards, and Workforce Knowledge and Competency Frameworks, selection 
criterion (C)(1) through (4), and selection criterion (E)(2)(d).
    Public Comment: In response to our invitation in the NPP, 36 
parties submitted comments on the proposed priorities, requirements, 
definitions, and selection criteria. In the following section, we 
summarize and provide responses to the comments we received.

[[Page 53965]]

We group major issues addressed in these comments according to subject. 
Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes. In 
addition we do not address comments that raised concerns not directly 
related to the proposed priorities, requirements, definitions, and 
selection criteria.
    Analysis of Comments and Changes: An analysis of the comments and 
any changes in the priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection 
criteria since publication of the NPP follows.

Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health

    Comment: One commenter proposed adding a definition of ``infant-
early childhood mental health consultation'' and using this term 
throughout the selection criteria and priorities. The commenter also 
proposed additional language relating to supporting children's social 
and emotional development, including infant-early childhood mental 
health, in selection criteria (A)(2), B(1), (C)(3), and (D)(2), and 
Priorities 1 and 4.
    Discussion: The Departments agree that supporting infant-early 
childhood mental health is an important concern. However, we decline to 
specifically define the term ``infant-early childhood mental health 
consultation'' as approaches to addressing infant-early childhood 
mental health may vary across States, and we do not wish to restrict 
how States might explore supporting mental health issues in infants and 
children.
    In selection criteria (A)(2), (B)(1), and (D)(2) and Priority 1 
where this commenter suggested adding language relating to supporting 
children's social and emotional development, including infant-early 
childhood mental health, the Departments believe that such additions 
are unnecessary and overly specific in the context of the criteria and 
priorities, which are intended to be broader and already include social 
and emotional development, which includes infant-child mental health. 
Specifying one of the Essential Domains of School Readiness would 
suggest that this domain is more important than the others. We believe 
that all the domains are essential and do not wish to emphasize one 
domain over others.
    In selection criterion (C)(3), however, the Departments believe it 
is appropriate to add the suggested language relating to developing a 
comprehensive approach to addressing infant-early childhood mental 
health, because this selection criterion addresses the health, 
behavioral, and developmental needs of Children with High Needs, and 
the language will not be overly prescriptive or too specific in the 
context of the selection criterion. Similarly, the Departments believe 
it is appropriate to add the suggested language to paragraph (c) of 
Priority 4, which notes that professional development for Early 
Childhood Educators includes strategies addressing the needs of 
children experiencing social and emotional challenges. Accordingly, we 
are revising selection criterion (C)(3) and paragraph (c) of Priority 
4.
    Changes: We have added a new paragraph (e) to selection criterion 
(C)(3) to include developing a comprehensive approach to increasing the 
capacity of Early Learning and Development Programs to support and 
address infant-early childhood mental health, and paragraph (c) of 
Priority 4 to include professional development on addressing the needs 
of children experiencing social and emotional challenges.

Inclusion of Programs Under Parts B and C of the Individuals With 
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    Comment: Several commenters suggested that the RTT-ELC program 
should provide for greater inclusion of programs serving children under 
Part B, Section 619, and Part C of IDEA in the implementation of the 
grant. For example, they proposed that the definition of Program 
Standards reference programs serving infants and toddlers and their 
families, including programs under Part C of IDEA.
    Discussion: The Departments support the commenters' suggestion that 
IDEA Part B section 619 and Part C programs should be integrated into 
grant activities. However, we do not believe anything in these 
priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria prevents 
such integration. In fact, programs funded under Parts B and C of IDEA 
are referenced throughout the priorities, definitions, and selection 
criteria. Regarding the proposed change to the definition of Program 
Standards, this definition is not intended to identify the specific 
populations served under RTT-ELC. Rather, this definition applies to 
all of the children served under RTT-ELC and their families, which 
includes infants and toddlers, including children served under IDEA 
Part C. We have addressed more specific comments related to this issue 
in other parts of this notice.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters noted their appreciation for the 
requirement that State agency coordinators from both Part B section 619 
and Part C of IDEA be included on the State Advisory Council. They 
further recommended that the requirement to have memoranda of 
understanding (MOU) from each Participating State Agency (PSA) include 
requirements that all State partners, including the agency or agencies 
administering IDEA Parts B and C, be included in the implementation of 
grant activities and project leadership. In addition, the commenters 
recommended that we require each PSA to coordinate early learning 
efforts with the other State partners and the project leadership and to 
report to the Departments periodically on the implementation of all 
partnership efforts.
    Discussion: To be eligible to apply for an RTT-ELC grant, a State 
must submit a binding MOU that describes each PSA's level of 
participation in the grant. The State agency or agencies administering 
Part B section 619 and Part C of IDEA must be included as a PSA. The 
MOU must include a preliminary scope of work that describes the 
portions of the grant the PSA will administer. Selection criterion 
(A)(3) describes how the applicant will be scored based on the extent 
to which the MOU includes terms and conditions that reflect a strong 
commitment to the State Plan, including terms and conditions designed 
to align and leverage the PSA's existing funding to support the State 
Plan, terms that require PSAs to implement all applicable portions of 
the State Plan, and a description of efforts to maximize the number of 
Early Learning and Development Programs that become Participating 
Programs.
    Additionally, through the Departments' administration and 
monitoring of RTT-ELC grants, States are required to report regularly 
to the Departments on the status of their partnership efforts, as we 
consider this integral to the success of the program. We believe that 
these requirements and criteria, and the Departments' monitoring of 
grantees, address the concerns of the commenters. Further, we believe 
that it would be overly prescriptive to limit the flexibility of each 
State to determine the most productive role of each PSA.
    Changes: None.

Comprehensive Assessment Systems

    Comment: Several commenters suggested that the Departments place 
greater emphasis on how early learning assessments can inform 
instruction and track children's development across the birth to third 
grade continuum. These commenters stated that the use of assessment 
data in kindergarten has been overemphasized and that more emphasis 
should be placed on using early assessment before kindergarten. In

[[Page 53966]]

addition, these commenters recommended that there be stronger emphasis 
on sharing assessment data and results with families and on soliciting 
and using family input on children's development and needs.
    Discussion: The definition of Comprehensive Assessment System 
states that it is a system of assessments ``that organizes information 
about the process and context of young children's learning and 
development in order to help Early Childhood Educators make informed 
instructional and programmatic decisions.'' The Departments believe 
that this definition, which is specific to programs serving children 
from birth to kindergarten entry, already places a strong emphasis on 
the use of assessments to measure children's development and inform 
instruction in the years before kindergarten.
    Family engagement strategies are similarly emphasized throughout 
the priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria. As 
an example, the definition of Program Standards now includes culturally 
and linguistically responsive strategies to engage families and 
strengthen their capacity to support children's learning and 
development. Selection criterion (C)(4) also refers to culturally and 
linguistically appropriate information and support of families of 
Children with High Needs and increasing the number and percentage of 
Early Childhood Educators trained and supported to implement family 
engagement strategies. However, the commenter is correct that the 
selection criterion does not explicitly encourage States to include a 
mechanism for soliciting and using family input in their assessment 
strategies. Accordingly, we are revising selection criterion (C)(2) to 
include training for Early Childhood Educators to effectively solicit 
and use family input on children's development and needs.
    Changes: We have revised selection criterion (C)(2)(d) and added 
paragraph (C)(2)(e) to include soliciting and using family input on 
children's development and needs as part of training on Comprehensive 
Assessment Systems.
    Comment: Several commenters recommended that the KEA be viewed as a 
midway point and critical link between States' Comprehensive Assessment 
Systems and K-12 assessment systems. These commenters recommended that 
the KEA be administered at the end of the year before kindergarten as 
well as in early kindergarten and, for that reason, recommended 
including KEA in our definition of Comprehensive Assessment System, 
which applies to assessments administered between birth through 
kindergarten entry.
    Discussion: The Departments agree that the KEA should be viewed as 
a midway point and critical link between Comprehensive Assessment 
Systems and K-12 systems. We have defined a KEA as an assessment that 
is administered to children during the first few months of their 
admission into kindergarten and used to inform efforts to close the 
school readiness gap at kindergarten entry and inform instruction in 
the early elementary grades. While there are many valid reasons to 
administer assessments in the year before kindergarten entry, the 
Departments do not believe the KEA should be administered at the end of 
the year before kindergarten, because the KEA is meant to be a measure 
of the status of children's learning at kindergarten entry, not a 
measure of growth. Assessments should be used in preschool to inform 
instruction and a child's transition to kindergarten. However, the 
definition of Comprehensive Assessment System applies to the use of 
assessments in Early Learning and Development Programs for children 
from birth through kindergarten entry. Because the KEA is administered 
during the first few months of kindergarten, the KEA falls outside of 
this period. In addition, we want States to have the flexibility to 
address Focused Investment Area (C)(2), ``Supporting effective uses of 
Comprehensive Assessment Systems,'' even if the State does not choose 
to address Focused Investment Area (E)(1), which relates to developing 
and implementing a KEA. Therefore, we do not believe KEA should be 
included in the definition of a Comprehensive Assessment System.
    Changes: None.

Other General Comments

    Comment: One commenter recommended that we require significant 
involvement by local educational agencies (LEAs) in the development of 
the application and the implementation of the grant.
    Discussion: The Departments seek to improve the quality of early 
learning and development by supporting State efforts to build strong 
systems that will provide increased access to high-quality programs for 
children who need them most. LEAs are not included in the list of 
entities required to participate in the implementation of the grant 
because the emphasis of the program is on developing and strengthening 
State systems of early learning and development. However, RTT-ELC 
allows each applicant the flexibility to involve LEAs and other 
entities in application planning and grant implementation in ways they 
deem appropriate. To require participation of LEAs would require that 
the Departments define which LEAs must be included and what type of 
participation must be established, and we believe this would be 
burdensome and overly restrictive for applicants.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Some commenters expressed the concern that small, rural 
States have unique challenges in improving the quality of early 
learning and development opportunities and encouraged the Departments 
to provide reviewers with the flexibility to acknowledge States that 
propose innovative approaches to tackle these challenges and award 
points accordingly.
    Discussion: According to the National Center for Education 
Statistics, the currently funded RTT-ELC States serve almost one-third 
of the Nation's children enrolled in public schools in rural areas (29 
percent).\2\ However, these data also indicate that we are not funding 
some of the States that have the highest percentages of children living 
in rural areas within a State.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education 
Statistics, Common Core of Data, ``Public Elementary/Secondary 
School Universe Survey,'' 2010-11 (version 2a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To address this concern, we are adding a priority that will allow 
States to describe how they are addressing the unique needs of children 
living in rural areas. Applicants may address this priority by 
describing innovative approaches that are likely to close educational 
and opportunity gaps between Children with High Needs and their peers, 
provide increased access to high-quality Early Learning and Development 
Programs, and build stronger State systems of early learning and 
development in such areas. This priority will not only enable reviewers 
to acknowledge the unique needs and innovative strategies of States 
with rural populations, but it will further enable States receiving 
awards to expend grant funds on these efforts.
    Finally, to address any perceived inequalities in the application 
process itself, the Departments will offer all States technical 
assistance on completing the application live via the Internet and 
through recorded sessions on our Web site.
    Changes: We have added a priority to allow States to describe 
strategies to meet the unique needs of children in rural areas. We have 
chosen, in the notice inviting applications published

[[Page 53967]]

elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, to make this new 
priority a Competitive Preference Priority. For the sake of clarity, we 
have called it Priority 5 so it can be grouped with the other 
Competitive Preference Priorities in the notice inviting applications. 
What we originally proposed as Priority 5, Encouraging Private-Sector 
Support, is now renumbered as Priority 6.
    Comment: One commenter stated that there was insufficient emphasis 
on program evaluation in the priorities, requirements, and selection 
criteria and that the Departments should allocate funds for cross-State 
evaluation of RTT-ELC grants.
    Discussion: The Departments have allocated funds for cross-State 
evaluation activities; however, the amount of funds available for 
technical assistance and evaluation is limited to five percent of the 
annual appropriation by the program's authorizing legislation. The 
program requirements provide that grantees must comply with the 
requirements of any evaluation sponsored by ED or HHS of any of the 
State's activities carried out with the grant, including cross-State 
evaluation. Furthermore, the Departments encourage grantees, through 
technical assistance and other guidance, to work together in their 
evaluation efforts. We believe that these efforts will ensure 
sufficient evaluation and therefore make no changes in this area.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the program prioritize racial 
and economic diversity in early learning environments.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenter about the importance of 
racially and economically diverse early learning environments. However, 
we decline to shift the emphasis of the program away from increasing 
access to high-quality Early Learning and Development Programs for 
Children with High Needs. While we do not specifically address racially 
and economically diverse learning environments, the priorities, 
definitions, and selection criteria allow States to identify children 
who are from Low-Income families or otherwise in need of special 
assistance and support, under the definition of Children with High 
Needs. This gives States the flexibility to address racially and 
economically diverse early learning environments in a way that is 
appropriate to individual States' needs.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the priorities and selection 
criteria should prioritize States with the largest numbers and 
percentages of Children with High Needs and reduce the emphasis on 
States that have made the most progress in early learning reform 
efforts.
    Discussion: The Departments appreciate the concern raised by this 
commenter. However, the emphasis of this program on States that have 
made significant progress in early learning reform was carefully 
determined and permits us to fund States to serve as models for other 
States throughout the Nation. The commenter is suggesting a major 
change in the focus and scoring of this program. We decline to make a 
change of this scope, as we believe that by remaining consistent with 
the FY 2011 competition, the quality of applications will improve, as 
applicants will be able to learn from past applications, peer reviewer 
comments, and other aligned resources. Future early learning 
initiatives, such as the Preschool for All proposal, will emphasize 
funding States to serve all children from low- to moderate-income 
families.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that we streamline the data tables 
required by the selection criteria to reduce burden on applicants and 
to provide more meaningful, comparable data across States.
    Discussion: The Departments have carefully considered whether to 
streamline data tables to reduce burden and provide more meaningful, 
comparable data. However, we have determined that the data requested in 
the tables are important to measure the different activities and 
populations addressed by this program. Furthermore, we believe it is 
important in this program to maintain consistency with the FY 2011 
application in order to maximize applicants' ability to utilize past 
applications, peer reviewer comments, and other aligned resources. 
Additionally, we want to maximize our ability to compare grantee 
performance data across cohorts. For these reasons, we decline to 
streamline the data tables.
    Changes: None.

Priority 1: Promoting School Readiness for Children With High Needs

    Comment: One commenter suggested that we add language to Priority 1 
that would require States to show how they will increase the capacity 
of Early Learning and Development Programs to support and address the 
social and emotional development of children from birth to age five.
    Discussion: The Departments believe that supporting social and 
emotional development is already an important objective of this 
program. In these priorities, definitions, and selection criteria, 
including Priority 1, we have emphasized the importance of addressing 
all the Essential Domains of School Readiness, including social and 
emotional development. We believe that all the domains are essential 
and do not wish to emphasize one domain over others. Accordingly, we 
have made no change to this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter asked that Priority 1 require States to 
describe how they will make strategic improvements in preventing 
childhood lead poisoning to reduce the number of Children with High 
Needs.
    Discussion: Priority 1 addresses the comprehensive nature of the 
program and is not designed to identify specific learning, development, 
or health concerns. That said, we note that preventing child lead 
poisoning as well as other children's health concerns are embedded 
throughout the priorities and selection criteria, including in our 
definition of Essential Domains of School Readiness, which includes 
physical well-being, and our definition of Program Standards, which 
includes health promotion practices. Accordingly, the Departments 
decline to include a specific reference to lead poisoning prevention in 
Priority 1. There is no prohibition on applicants addressing specific 
health concerns, such as lead poisoning, in their applications as they 
deem appropriate.
    Changes: None.

Priority 2: Including All Early Learning and Development Programs in 
the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS)

    Comment: One commenter recommended that Priority 2 include 
improving readiness skills for children at risk of reading failure as a 
required element of the State Plan and that evidence-based literacy 
instruction should be addressed in the State's TQRIS. The commenter 
further recommended that States be allowed to use RTT-ELC funds to 
support developmentally appropriate comprehensive literacy programs and 
programs that provide differentiated instruction for Children with High 
Needs.
    Discussion: Although the Departments recognize that improving 
reading readiness skills for children at risk of reading failure is 
important, Priority 2 focuses on increasing the number of children in 
programs that are licensed and inspected and participating in the 
State's TQRIS. However, a number of selection criteria address literacy 
skills for children at risk. For example, in

[[Page 53968]]

selection criterion (C)(1)(b), States are asked to describe their plan 
to put in place K-3 academic standards that address early literacy and 
mathematics. In addition, Priority 4 allows States to describe their 
High-Quality Plan to improve the overall quality, alignment, and 
continuity of teaching and learning to serve Children with High Needs 
through such activities as efforts designed to increase the percentage 
of children who are able to read and do mathematics at grade level by 
the end of the third grade. This would permit States to provide 
developmentally appropriate comprehensive literacy programs and 
programs that provide differentiated instruction. Thus, we do not 
believe any change is necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concerns that Priority 2 
forces States to mandate the licensure and participation of private, 
faith-based early learning programs in the State's TQRIS. One noted 
that many States do not exempt private, faith-based providers from 
their licensure systems and suggested that the Departments clarify that 
any licensure and improvement systems be targeted towards only publicly 
funded early learning providers and indicate that all States are free 
to exempt private providers from such programs. Another commenter 
stated that Priority 2 punishes States that choose not to license or 
regulate faith-based providers. According to this commenter, some 
States exempt religious providers from licensure, yet the providers are 
still subject to some State regulation, and Priority 2 would require 
those programs to participate in the State's rating and improvement 
system.
    Discussion: Priority 2 does not require that States license or 
regulate all Early Learning and Development Programs or require their 
participation in TQRIS. The priority is designed so that States that 
exempt faith-based providers from their licensing and inspection 
systems are not disadvantaged in any way in the scoring of their 
applications, and States selected for funding are not required to 
change their approach to faith-based providers. Specifically, Priority 
2 indicates that programs exempted for reasons other than the number of 
children cared for, such as their faith-based status, may be excluded 
from the licensing and inspection system. Priority 2 asks that only 
licensed or State-regulated programs participate in TQRIS and does not 
require license-exempt programs (such as faith-based programs in some 
States) to participate.
    However, in public input sessions conducted in 2011, for which a 
transcript was posted on the program Web site at http://www2ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-earlylearningchalleng/resources-phase-1.html, 
private providers and related organizations expressed the concern that 
private providers should not be excluded from RTT-ELC. To address that 
concern, the Departments have clarified in Frequently Asked Questions 
posted on the program Web site at http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-earlylearningchallenge/faq.html that private providers are 
eligible to participate and to receive funds from a State on the same 
basis as other entities providing early learning services in the State. 
The Departments have also clarified in Frequently Asked Questions that 
a private program participating in RTT-ELC retains its independence, 
autonomy, right of expression, religious character, and authority over 
governance.
    Changes: None.

Priority 3: Understanding the Status of Children's Learning and 
Development at Kindergarten Entry

    Comment: Multiple commenters recommended defining KEA as an 
assessment that would monitor school readiness at the population level 
and: (1) Be based on aggregated results of assessments completed by 
kindergarten teachers; (2) cover all Essential Domains of School 
Readiness; (3) be administered between three and six months after the 
beginning of the school year to ensure that teachers have had time to 
familiarize themselves with their students; (4) be relatively easy to 
administer, requiring teacher training of no more than one hour and no 
more than 15 to 20 minutes per child to administer; (5) include student 
address data so that data can be reported at the census tract level; 
and (6) provide valid and reliable data. The commenters also suggested 
a specific instrument, the Early Development Instrument, as one 
assessment that meets these characteristics.
    Discussion: The definition of KEA proposed in the NPP is sufficient 
for its purpose. It already covers all of the Essential Domains of 
School Readiness and requires that the KEA is valid and reliable for 
its intended purposes and for the target populations. The Departments 
do not want to require that the KEA be based on aggregated results of 
assessments completed by kindergarten teachers because the KEA is 
intended to inform efforts to address children's needs early in order 
to close the school readiness gap at kindergarten entry, inform 
instruction, and inform parents about their children's status at 
kindergarten entry and involve them in decisions about their children's 
education. However, this does not preclude a State from using data in 
the aggregate as well.
    The Departments believe that it is important to administer the KEA 
during the first few months of children's admission into kindergarten. 
This allows the KEA to be administered in a period of time when the 
results could be used to inform efforts to address children's needs 
early in order to close the school readiness gap at kindergarten entry, 
inform instruction, and inform parents about their children's status at 
kindergarten entry and involve them in decisions about their children's 
education. In addition, an assessment administered between three and 
six months after the beginning of the school year would be more of a 
reflection of the child's learning and development during kindergarten, 
rather than at kindergarten entry. However, there is nothing to prevent 
the use of formative assessments during this period.
    The Departments do not want to be prescriptive in defining KEA 
design elements, such as ease of administration, teacher training 
requirements, and length of time to administer. The Departments also do 
not want to require specific data elements, such as student address 
data, other than those included in the Essential Data Elements, but 
this does not preclude States from including additional elements. 
However, it is important that grantees comply with all applicable 
privacy laws for this type of data collection.
    The Departments do not endorse, recommend, or require applicants to 
use specific data-gathering instruments (e.g., the Early Development 
Instrument). Rather, applicants have the flexibility to use the most 
appropriate data-gathering instruments for the implementation of their 
programs.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter asked that the Departments emphasize that 
results of a KEA should be used to assist in the design of services, 
instruction, and activities geared toward preschool and elementary-aged 
children, not for high-stakes purposes such as sanctions for children, 
employees, providers, or programs.
    Discussion: The proposed definition of KEA states that the 
assessment should be used to inform efforts to close the school 
readiness gap at kindergarten entry and to inform instruction in the 
early elementary school grades. It also states that the assessment 
should not be used to prevent children's entry into kindergarten. 
However, it does not

[[Page 53969]]

explicitly address the use of the assessment for making high-stakes 
decisions. We have, therefore, added to the KEA definition that a KEA 
must not be used as a single measure for high-stakes decisions. High-
stakes decisions may include, but are not limited to, dismissal of or 
rewards for staff and closure of programs.
    Changes: We have revised the definition of KEA to provide that the 
KEA must not be used as a single measure for high-stakes decisions.

Priority 4: Creating Preschool Through Third Grade Approaches To 
Sustain Improved Early Learning Outcomes Through the Early Elementary 
Grades

    Comment: Multiple commenters noted that they appreciated the 
proposed revisions to Priority 4. They added a recommendation that this 
priority be elevated to a competitive or absolute priority rather than 
an invitational priority as it was in FY 2011.
    Discussion: The Departments appreciate the recommendation and have 
considered it in developing the notice inviting applications for the FY 
2013 competition. Generally, we designate priority type in a notice 
inviting application. To do so in a notice of final priority binds the 
Departments to using the priority in the way specified in subsequent 
competitions. To preserve future flexibility to adjust priority 
designations, the Departments are not designating in this notice 
whether priorities are absolute, competitive preference, or 
invitational.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that we include in paragraph (c) 
of Priority 4 a requirement for professional development strategies 
that include high-quality digital resources.
    Discussion: Although the Departments support the provision of 
professional development through high-quality digital resources, we 
believe adding this specific requirement would be too prescriptive and 
that applicants are in the best position to determine the appropriate 
mechanisms for providing professional development. These priorities, 
definitions, and selection criteria provide States the opportunity to 
present professional development through digital content, if they so 
choose, giving States and programs the flexibility to address their 
individual professional development needs.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter encouraged us to promote in Priority 4 
comprehensive joint trainings of Early Childhood Educators, child care 
providers, and elementary educators, as well as other administrators 
and related personnel, and to involve families in that process.
    Discussion: The Departments agree with the commenter regarding the 
value of joint trainings for Early Childhood Educators, elementary 
educators, educational leaders and specialists, and families. Priority 
4 addresses the implementation of teacher preparation and professional 
development programs for educators, including administrators and 
related personnel, to improve the transition of children across the 
birth to third grade continuum. However, the Departments believe that 
the implementation of trainings and the determination of which 
individuals should participate in those trainings should be left to the 
discretion of applicants to suit their individual needs. Accordingly, 
we have made no change.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter asked that we eliminate the specific mention 
of Title I and Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
of 1965, as amended (ESEA), and IDEA Parts B and C from the requirement 
in paragraph (g) of Priority 4 that applicants leverage other funds, so 
that LEAs are not put in the position of sacrificing other services and 
programs for Children with High Needs. The commenter supports a 
separate funding stream for new early childhood initiatives.
    Discussion: We apologize for inadvertently providing two slightly 
different versions of Priority 4 in the NPP. In the description of 
changes to Priority 4, we included paragraph (g): ``Leveraging existing 
Federal, State, and local resources, including but not limited to funds 
received under Title I and Title II of ESEA, as amended, and IDEA.'' 
However, when we listed the proposed priorities in their entirety, 
Priority 4 had language at the beginning of the priority relating to 
leveraging resources, without naming specific funding sources, and 
paragraph (g) was removed. The Departments intended to take comment on 
the latter version, although we have considered and responded to all 
comments on this priority.
    Although the Departments acknowledge the concern raised by the 
commenter about reducing funding for other programs serving Children 
with High Needs, the Departments are not requiring that other services 
be reduced or eliminated in order to fund this program. In fact, that 
would undermine one of the goals of this priority, which is to 
strengthen collaboration across systems. The final version of Priority 
4 does require leveraging of funds, but it does not require any 
specific funding sources, nor does it require specific amounts or the 
reduction of funds from other programs serving Children with High 
Needs. Rather, States are asked to describe how they will sustain and 
build upon early learning outcomes by leveraging existing Federal, 
State, and local resources. States will have the flexibility to 
determine how resources are leveraged and from which sources.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters recommended that Priority 4 be revised 
to include a reference to infants and toddlers in each of the 
paragraphs, to incorporate transition strategies beginning from birth.
    Discussion: Our intention in writing this priority is to sustain 
and build upon improved child outcomes from birth to age five by 
focusing on the important transition from preschool to the early 
elementary grades. The Departments believe that continued alignment, 
continuity, and coordination of teaching and learning from preschool 
through the early elementary school years is critical to ensure that 
children develop the skills, knowledge, and dispositions toward 
learning they need to be successful in school and in life.
    Throughout the RTT-ELC selection criteria, applicants have the 
opportunity to address transitions across the continuum of birth 
through kindergarten entry. Therefore, this priority extends the 
continuum of early learning services to third grade.
    We have left the term ``preschool'' undefined to ensure that States 
have the flexibility to determine the age at which their strategies to 
improve alignment and continuity of teaching and learning begins. For 
these reasons, we have not added references to infants and toddlers in 
Priority 4. However, we have added language to clarify our intent that 
Priority 4 is meant to build upon States' High-Quality Plan to improve 
birth through age five early learning outcomes, and to sustain and 
extend improved early learning outcomes through the early elementary 
school years.
    Changes: We have revised Priority 4 to add clarifying language that 
explains that this Priority is intended to build upon States' High-
Quality Plan to improve birth through age five early learning outcomes, 
and to sustain and extend improved early learning outcomes through the 
early elementary school years.
    Comment: Several commenters asked for clarification as to whether 
the professional development addressed in

[[Page 53970]]

Priority 4 applies to administrators as well as teachers.
    Discussion: The Departments agree that the professional development 
addressed in Priority 4 should apply to administrators and related 
personnel as well as teachers.
    Changes: We have replaced the term ``teachers'' with ``educators, 
administrators, and related personnel.''
    Comment: One commenter suggested adding language to Priority 4 to 
emphasize building the capacity of families to address children's 
developmental and learning needs, including by engaging and informing 
parents and by helping families build protective factors. Specifically, 
the commenter recommended adding language to paragraph (b) relating to 
building parents' capacity to address children's needs; to paragraph 
(c) to include training on the importance of protective factors and 
effective parent engagement strategies; to paragraph (d) to include 
engaging and supporting families; and to paragraph (e) to include 
informing parents about data systems.
    Discussion: The Departments agree that the proposed language is 
consistent with the overall purposes of the program and further 
clarifies our intentions. Building the capacity of families to support 
their children's learning and development is an important element of 
this program. Further, building protective factors is an important part 
of that family support. Protective factors are factors that increase 
the health and well-being of children and families and mitigate 
risk.\3\ Research has found that successful interventions must both 
reduce risk factors and promote protective factors to ensure the well-
being of children and families. Accordingly, we are revising paragraphs 
(b), (c), (d), and (e) of Priority 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ For information and resources about protective factors, see 
https://www.childwelfare.gov/can/factors/protective.cfm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Changes: We have revised paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) of 
Priority 4 to add language relating to building parents' capacity to 
address children's needs, training on the importance of protective 
factors and effective parent engagement strategies, engaging and 
supporting families, and informing parents about data systems.
    Comment: One commenter expressed support for the emphasis in 
Priority 4 on the importance of sustaining and building upon early 
learning outcomes from preschool through the early elementary school 
years. The commenter recommended that the activity described in 
paragraph (b), identifying and addressing health, behavioral, and 
developmental needs, be required.
    Discussion: While the Departments agree as to the importance of 
addressing health, behavioral, and developmental needs, the activities 
listed in Priority 4 are optional to allow States the maximum 
flexibility to tailor their transition strategy to their needs. We 
decline to identify one activity as a requirement while leaving 
similarly important activities as optional.
    Changes: None.

Priority 6: Encouraging Private-Sector Support

    Comment: One commenter recommended that the Departments provide 
additional details and guidelines on the kinds of private-sector 
support envisioned by this priority.
    Discussion: The Departments believe that there are numerous ways in 
which the private sector can provide financial and other resources to 
support the State and its Participating State Agencies or Participating 
Programs in the implementation of the State Plan, including 
contributions of funding, expertise, or resources, and collaborations 
with other States on leveraging and sharing private sector resources. 
This is an area that can best be determined by each applicant, and we 
encourage States to think about innovative and effective ways to 
partner with the private sector. Private-sector support should be 
described by applicants as whatever best meets their needs.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: As indicated previously, we have re-numbered the 
priority on encouraging private-sector support to Priority 6.
    Changes: Priority 5, as proposed in the NPP, has been re-numbered 
as Priority 6.

Suggested New Priorities

    Comment: One commenter suggested that a new priority be added that 
would support the expansion of quality early learning programs to poor, 
disadvantaged, or underserved children and communities, including rural 
and isolated communities.
    Discussion: The priority suggested by this commenter is already 
addressed throughout the priorities and selection criteria, notably in 
Priority 1 and in selection criterion (B)(4), Promoting access to high-
quality Early Learning and Development Programs for Children with High 
Needs. Also, the definition of Children with High Needs, which is used 
throughout the selection criteria and priorities, identifies many of 
the populations mentioned by the commenter, while also giving States 
the flexibility to identify other populations in need of additional 
support. Furthermore, as described earlier in this notice, we have 
added a priority that that would support States in meeting the unique 
needs of children residing in rural areas.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that a new priority be added to 
emphasize the importance of full-day kindergarten.
    Discussion: While high-quality, full-day kindergarten may be an 
effective strategy to improve outcomes for children, particularly for 
Children with High Needs, we do not believe such a priority is 
appropriate for this program, given its focus on supporting coordinated 
early learning and development systems that promote increased access to 
high-quality early learning programs from birth to kindergarten entry.
    Changes: None.

Eligibility, Application, and Program Requirements

    Comment: One commenter requested that the Bureau of Indian 
Education (BIE) be eligible to apply for a grant under this program.
    Discussion: The program authority for RTT-ELC in section 
14006(a)(2) of the ARRA provides that States are the only eligible 
entities, and defines the term ``State'' to mean each of the 50 States, 
the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The 
Departments recognize the concern of the BIE and other non-eligible 
entities but have no authority to change the statutory definition of 
entities eligible to apply for this program.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter applauded the eligibility requirement that 
States have an active Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home 
Visiting (MIECHV) program. Another commenter suggested that we ask 
States to identify specific practices that demonstrate alignment of 
efforts between the State's home visiting and early childhood programs.
    Discussion: Asking States to provide the additional information 
suggested would not be appropriate for an eligibility requirement, as 
suggested by the commenter, because we use eligibility requirements 
only to determine whether an applicant may be considered for funding 
and typically do not evaluate descriptions or plans under such 
requirements. However, the information suggested can and should

[[Page 53971]]

be provided under selection criterion (A)(3), Aligning and coordinating 
early learning and development across the State. Accordingly, we 
decline to make any changes.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter asked whether a non-profit organization is 
eligible to apply for the grant if it operates the MIECHV program 
instead of a State agency.
    Discussion: Congress made only States eligible to apply for RTT-ELC 
grants. The MIECHV eligibility requirement should be interpreted to 
mean that a State may only apply if it has an active MIECHV program in 
the State, either through the State or through an eligible non-profit 
organization in compliance with the requirements of the MIECHV program. 
This will be further clarified in technical assistance provided to 
applicants.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the language of application 
requirement (e)(1) is unnecessarily restrictive because it asks that a 
State submit a budget that shows how it will use funds to increase the 
number and percentage of Early Learning and Development Programs 
participating in the State's TQRIS. The commenter suggested removing 
the language about TQRIS participation because home visiting programs 
would not necessarily participate in TQRIS.
    Discussion: Application requirement (e)(1) requires a State to 
include a budget that details how the State will use grant funds to 
achieve targets for increasing the number and percentage of Early 
Learning and Development Programs participating in the State's TQRIS. 
The provision mentioned by the commenter would not require a home 
visiting program to participate in a State's TQRIS, as the commenter 
seems to believe. TQRIS programs in most States are limited to center 
or home-based early care and education settings. More importantly, this 
commenter's suggestion would change the purpose of this requirement 
from increasing TQRIS participation to simply increasing the number and 
percentage of early learning programs in a State. Increasing TQRIS 
participation is one of the primary purposes of this program.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters noted their support for program 
requirement (a), which requires States to maintain a State Advisory 
Council (SAC). One commenter urged us to reconsider our decision to 
make this a program requirement rather than an eligibility requirement, 
which would require States to demonstrate that they maintain an ongoing 
SAC to be considered for funding.
    Discussion: SAC funds will end this year at different times for 
different States. The Departments are, therefore, eliminating the 
eligibility requirement that States have an operational SAC to ensure 
that all States have the opportunity to apply regardless of whether 
they currently receive Federal funding to support the SAC. Rather, all 
States receiving a grant will be required to meet the SAC program 
requirement, without exception. This treats all States equally because 
a State that receives a grant will be able to use grant funds to 
maintain the SAC.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters suggested that we revise the SAC 
program requirement to include representation from elementary schools 
to support alignment between early childhood and K-12 systems. Another 
commenter suggested that we require representation from the State child 
welfare agency.
    Discussion: The SAC program requirement explicitly includes agency 
representatives who oversee child care work in the States. Under the 
SAC program requirement, States must include the State's Child Care and 
Development Fund administrator, State agency coordinators from both 
Part B section 619 and Part C of IDEA, and State agency representatives 
responsible for health and mental health. States may choose to include 
other members, including members from K-12 systems and the State child 
welfare agency. We also note that under Priority 4, States may 
demonstrate how they are supporting alignment between Early Learning 
and Development Programs and K-12 systems.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested that States be required to include 
tribal letters of support in their applications, and that tribal 
consultation in the development of the application be required.
    Discussion: The application does not require letters of support or 
consultation from specific types of stakeholders, so it would not be 
appropriate to require only tribal letters of support or consultation. 
We believe that each State should be able to take their specific needs 
into account in obtaining letters of support or consultation. We do, 
however, support States consulting with tribal entities where tribal 
lands exist in the State. We also emphasize stakeholder engagement in 
numerous sections. For example, selection criterion (A)(3) asks 
applicants to provide evidence of meaningful stakeholder engagement in 
the development of the proposal and meaningful stakeholder support for 
the proposal, and tribes are specifically noted in this criterion. 
Therefore, we think that the language already addresses the commenters' 
suggestions and that no changes are necessary.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters suggested specific requirements for the 
required MOUs that would enhance the involvement of State partners, 
including IDEA Part B section 619 and Part C programs, in the 
implementation of the grant. Specifically, the commenters suggested 
that MOUs be required to describe the ways in which: (1) Each State 
partner will coordinate efforts with all other partners to maximize 
Federal and State resources; (2) each State partner, including IDEA 
Parts B and C programs, will be included in the implementation of grant 
activities; (3) grant resources will be directed to include all State 
partners; (4) all partners will be involved in grant leadership and 
decision making; and (5) the project will evaluate and report to the 
Departments periodically on the implementation of all partnership 
efforts.
    Discussion: To be eligible to apply for an RTT-ELC grant, a State 
must submit a binding MOU that describes each PSA's level of 
participation in the grant. The State agency administering IDEA Parts B 
and C must be included as a PSA. The MOU must include a preliminary 
scope of work that describes the portions of the grant the PSA will 
administer. Selection criterion (A)(3) describes how the applicant will 
be scored based on the extent to which the MOU includes terms and 
conditions that reflect a strong commitment to the State Plan, 
including terms and conditions designed to align and leverage the PSA's 
existing funding to support the State Plan; terms that require PSAs to 
implement all applicable portions of the State Plan; and a description 
of efforts to maximize the number of Early Learning and Development 
programs that become Participating Programs. We believe that these 
requirements and criteria address the commenters' concerns. We believe 
that to be more prescriptive in the manner suggested by the commenters 
would unnecessarily limit the flexibility of each State to determine 
the most productive role of each PSA.
    Changes: None.

Proposed Definitions

    Comment: One commenter suggested that it might be clearer and more

[[Page 53972]]

straightforward to use a general term such as ``federally recognized, 
evidence-based home visiting models'' rather than naming specific 
funding streams such as ``other programs that may deliver early 
learning and development services in a child's home, such as the 
MIECHV; Early Head Start; and Part C of IDEA.'' Similarly, this 
commenter suggested adding ``federally recognized, evidence-based home 
visiting models'' to the definition of Early Learning Intermediary 
Organization (ELIO).
    Discussion: The Departments do not use the term ``federally 
recognized'' home visiting models, although HHS has identified some 
models as ``meeting standards for evidence of effectiveness.'' The 
change suggested by the commenter would be far more restrictive than 
the language of our proposed definition because it would limit the 
definition of home-based services to only those that are identified by 
HHS as evidence based. We intended this definition to include the wide 
variety of services that might be provided to children in the home and, 
therefore, decline to make the changes suggested.
    Regarding the suggested addition to the definition of ELIO, we 
believe that the proposed language would be inconsistent with the 
meaning of the term, which refers to national, statewide, regional, or 
community-based organizations that represent networks of Early Learning 
and Development Programs.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several changes were suggested to the definition of 
Children with High Needs. One commenter suggested that the term 
``English learner'' should be replaced with ``Dual Language Learner.'' 
Another commenter suggested that we add a reference to children who are 
lead poisoned to the definition, because children who are lead poisoned 
are not always categorized as children with disabilities. A third 
commenter suggested that the definition should be less broad and should 
provide for the consideration of factors such as parental education, 
age, and family structure when determining whether a child meets the 
definition.
    Discussion: The Departments agree with the first commenter that 
dual language instruction should be supported. However, we believe it 
is important to maintain a consistent use of terminology across 
programs, and English learner is the term used in similar programs at 
ED, such as the Enhanced Assessment Grant (EAG) and Race to the Top--
District programs.
    Regarding the second comment, the Departments believe that the 
risks posed by lead poisoning can be adequately addressed by applicants 
in selection criterion (C)(3). Furthermore, the definition of Children 
with High Needs includes ``other children as identified by the State,'' 
so States can address additional needs as appropriate.
    Regarding the third comment, the definition of Children with High 
Needs includes

children from birth through kindergarten entry who are from Low-
Income families or otherwise in need of special assistance and 
support, including children who have disabilities or developmental 
delays; who are English learners; who reside on ``Indian lands'' as 
that term is defined by section 8013(7) of ESEA; who are migrant, 
homeless, or in foster care; and other children identified by the 
State.

This definition allows States to identify other at-risk children and 
States may consider factors that include education, family structure, 
disability, language, and parental age. The Departments have 
deliberately kept this definition broad so that States have the 
flexibility to address a wide range of children's needs as appropriate 
for their populations. We therefore decline to limit the definition.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested adding to the definitions of KEA, 
Program Standards, and Workforce Knowledge and Competency Frameworks 
language relating to family engagement and building children's 
protective factors that would enhance the capacity of families to 
support their children's learning and development. The commenter 
suggested adding language to the definition of KEA relating to 
informing parents about their children's learning development and 
involving them in decisions about their children's education. The 
commenter also suggested revising the definition of Program Standards 
to require ``culturally and linguistically responsive'' strategies that 
are used to help families build protective factors and build their 
capacity to support children's development and learning. Finally, the 
commenter suggested adding an additional paragraph to the definition of 
Workforce Knowledge and Competency Frameworks relating to knowledge of 
protective factors and effective approaches to building families' 
capacity to promote children's development and learning.
    Discussion: The Departments support the goal of building the 
capacity of families to support their children's education. The 
suggested changes to the definitions are consistent with the goals of 
the program and help to further clarify the definitions and therefore 
we have made them. The Departments believe that research has 
demonstrated the importance of family capacity-building and protective 
factors, so it is appropriate to address those concerns in these 
priorities, definitions, and selection criteria.
    Changes: We have added language to the definition of KEA relating 
to informing parents about their children's learning development and 
involving them in decisions about their children's education. We have 
revised the definition of Program Standards to specify that strategies 
for engaging families must be culturally and linguistically responsive 
and that these strategies would include helping families build 
protective factors and building families' capacity to support 
children's development and learning. We added a paragraph to the 
definition of Workforce Knowledge and Competency Frameworks relating to 
knowledge of protective factors and effective approaches to building 
families' capacity to promote children's development and learning.

Selection Criterion A: Successful State Systems

    Comment: One commenter commended our proposal to require that a 
State ``achieve its ambitious yet achievable targets for increasing the 
number and percentage of Children with High Needs who are enrolled in 
Early Learning Programs that are in the top tiers of the State's 
TQRIS.'' The commenter recommended, however, that we revise the 
selection criteria to require that States, in addition to 
disaggregating their TQRIS data by socioeconomic status, also 
disaggregate the TQRIS data by race and ethnicity.
    Discussion: We agree with the commenters about the importance of 
disaggregating data by race and ethnicity and have considered ways to 
request this data that would not be burdensome to States. We developed 
a request for data on participation of children by race and ethnicity 
that is consistent with the other types of data requested and that we 
believe will not be burdensome. The request does not break down 
ethnicity within different types of Early Learning and Development 
Programs, nor does it require a breakdown of race and ethnicity data by 
program ratings in the TQRIS. Rather, we are asking for data we believe 
that States will have readily available in their data systems.
    Changes: We have revised selection criterion (A)(1) to provide for 
States to submit data on the participation of children by race and 
ethnicity in a data table.
    Comment: Several commenters requested that the priorities,

[[Page 53973]]

requirements, definitions, and selection criteria reflect an 
integrative and collaborative approach among State and local education, 
health, and human services agencies. Another commenter suggested that 
we encourage States to review existing Federal grant opportunities and 
initiatives in their States, consider opportunities for building 
synergies to improve outcomes for Children with High Needs, and involve 
agencies implementing other Federal programs in implementation of the 
grant.
    Discussion: We believe the proposed selection criteria address the 
commenters' concerns. Specifically, selection criterion (A)(3) scores 
applicants on their proposals for alignment and coordination of early 
learning and development across the State. Applicants must identify a 
governance structure that facilitates interagency coordination and 
builds upon existing early learning structures such as councils and 
commissions. Furthermore, the required PSAs come from agencies that 
administer a combination of education, child and maternal health, and 
human services programs. Finally, applicants must demonstrate 
commitment and participation of a broad group of stakeholders in the 
early learning community in selection criterion (A)(3)(c). In our 
experience working with the current 14 RTT-ELC grantees, these criteria 
and requirements have resulted in strong collaborative efforts across 
education, health, and human services agencies at the State level.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter inquired whether the Departments had a 
definition for ``significant amount'' as used in selection criterion 
(A)(4)(b)(3)(``demonstrates that a significant amount of funding will 
be devoted to the local implementation of the State Plan'').
    Discussion: The term ``significant amount'' is not defined because 
the Departments believe that applicants need the flexibility to 
describe what constitutes significant in the context of their 
application and that determining what is a significant amount is a 
judgment that can be reasonably made by applicants and reviewers. The 
Departments will also address this in technical assistance provided to 
applicants and reviewers.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that applicants be required to 
submit an MOU signed by one or more statewide early learning non-profit 
organizations to demonstrate that the applicant is building strong 
relationships with non-profit organizations.
    Discussion: As described in selection criterion (A)(3), States will 
receive points for demonstrating broad stakeholder support, but an MOU 
is not required. Given that MOUs are already required for all PSAs, we 
believe that to require an MOU for every relationship between State 
agencies and non-profit organizations is unnecessarily burdensome and 
restrictive. State agencies and non-profit organizations may prefer to 
use other formal or informal mechanisms to memorialize partnerships and 
support.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters suggested additions to the list of 
potential stakeholders in selection criterion (A)(3)(c)(2). One 
commenter recommended that public television stations be added to the 
list. Another commenter recommended that ``State and local 
Strengthening Families Leadership Teams'' and ``administrators of State 
Title V MCH Block Grant Programs'' be added to the list.
    Discussion: The Departments recognize the role of public television 
stations as partners in early learning initiatives. While such 
partnerships remain at the discretion of States, applicants are welcome 
to seek out such partnerships, and, in fact, some existing RTT-ELC 
grantees have done so. Because public television stations are entities 
that applicants might not consider reaching out to or partnering with, 
we believe they should be added to the list as an illustrative example. 
However, we think the other two suggestions are too specific for the 
context of this list, in that they reference specific programs and 
models. The use of ``such other stakeholders as'' is intended to allow 
for any and all other stakeholders as desired by the State.
    Changes: We have revised selection criterion (A)(3)(c)(2) to 
include public television stations in the illustrative list of 
potential stakeholders.
    Comment: Several commenters suggested that we require States to 
demonstrate whether or not they have cut reimbursement rates for 
providers in the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) and describe their 
commitment to maintaining or increasing provider reimbursement rates in 
order to ensure sustainability of reform efforts.
    Discussion: In its application, a State must demonstrate how it 
will improve the quality of Early Learning and Development Programs by 
integrating and aligning resources and policies across PSAs and by 
designing and implementing a common, statewide TQRIS. In demonstrating 
``successful state Systems'' under selection criterion (A)(1), the 
State must provide evidence of past commitment to and investment in 
high-quality, accessible Early Learning and Development Programs, 
including documentation of the past five years of financial 
investments, as well as its existing legislation, policies, and 
practices in this area. Selection criterion (A)(1)(a) specifically 
requests information on the State's investment in early learning, 
including State contributions and match for CCDF. In addition, 
selection criterion (B)(2)(b) asks States to describe how they will 
implement effective policies and practices designed to help more 
families afford high-quality child care (e.g., maintaining or 
increasing subsidy reimbursement rates, or establishing differential or 
tiered reimbursement rates for higher quality providers).
    While States will be evaluated on their prior commitments, 
including their contributions for CCDF, and their plans to align and 
leverage other sources of funding, it is not reasonable to demand that 
States commit to maintaining their current reimbursement rate for CCDF. 
Many factors go into that decision and it is not within the authority 
of this program to demand a specific level of commitment under another 
program. Furthermore, the proposed approach does not address whether 
rates are sufficient to provide access to high-quality care, which is 
difficult to measure. A requirement that rates be maintained or 
increased does not address a State's starting point and could 
potentially advantage a State that maintains low rates. Furthermore, 
payment rates are only one aspect of subsidy administration. States can 
also significantly impact the value of a subsidy and who receives it 
through their family co-payment and eligibility policies.
    Changes: None.

Selection Criterion B: High-Quality, Accountable Programs

    Comment: Several commenters recommended revising selection 
criterion (B)(2) to require States to set a goal of full participation 
in TQRIS for all licensed or regulated early learning programs in the 
State.
    Discussion: Selection criterion (B)(2) asks States to describe how 
they will reach the goal of having all publicly funded Early Learning 
and Development Programs participate in TQRIS, including State-funded 
preschool programs, Early Head Start and Head Start programs, programs 
receiving CCDF funds, and programs funded under Parts B and C of IDEA 
and Title I of ESEA. In contrast, Priority 2 asks

[[Page 53974]]

States to describe their plans to have all licensed or State-regulated 
programs participate in their TQRIS, which is more ambitious than 
requiring participation of all publicly funded programs. The 
commenters' recommendation would change selection criterion (B)(2) to 
reflect this more ambitious goal. While we support the goal of having 
all State-licensed and regulated programs participate in TQRIS, we 
intended selection criterion (B)(2) to allow States more flexibility to 
determine ambitious but achievable goals that take into account the 
status of TQRIS in their State, while giving more ambitious States an 
opportunity to receive additional points in Priority 2. We believe that 
this balance provides the greatest flexibility for States while 
providing incentives to States to establish more ambitious goals for 
participation in TQRIS. Accordingly, we decline to change this 
selection criterion in the manner suggested.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters suggested that the Departments make 
clear that States, in their validation studies as described in 
selection criterion (B)(5), should examine whether the tiers of TQRIS 
accurately reflect the differential levels of program quality before 
researching the relationship between program quality and child 
outcomes, in order to ensure that validation plans are meaningful and 
valid in the context of where States are in their development of TQRIS.
    Discussion: We think the commenters' concerns are best addressed 
through technical assistance and guidance from the Departments once 
awards are made. States that receive grants are required under program 
requirement (d)(4) to submit their plans for validation to both 
Departments for review and feedback. This feedback ensures that a State 
is developing a validation plan that is appropriate for where the State 
is in its TQRIS development.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter asked that the Departments ensure that 
program standards used by TQRIS are well researched and evidence based 
and tie directly to the growth and development of children.
    Discussion: Selection criterion (B)(1) asks States to demonstrate 
that their TQRIS have standards that are measurable, meaningfully 
differentiate program quality levels, and reflect high expectations of 
program excellence commensurate with national standards that lead to 
improved learning outcomes for children. This criterion is already 
consistent with what the commenter is requesting. Technical assistance 
will be provided to ensure that the validation plans for each State's 
TQRIS are of the highest quality.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding language to selection 
criterion (B)(4) and (B)(5) to encourage States to build on Federal 
opportunities and draw on promising practices to help families build 
protective factors and that we emphasize child welfare-early learning 
partnerships to ensure the developmental needs of young children are 
met. Specifically, the commenter suggested adding a paragraph to 
selection criterion (B)(4) to measure the extent to which States have a 
plan to build early learning and child welfare partnerships to ensure 
that the developmental needs of young children are met, including 
coordinating with other federally funded opportunities that help 
families build protective factors. The commenter also recommended 
adding language to selection criterion (B)(5) to address whether 
changes in quality ratings are related to progress in building 
protective factors, engaging families, and building parent capacity.
    Discussion: The Departments believe that the overall purpose of 
RTT-ELC already encourages States to build on Federal opportunities and 
promising practices to help families build protective factors. In 
selection criterion (B)(4), the suggested language is too specific for 
the context of the criterion, and to add one specific strategy for 
improving the quality of early learning programs without specifying 
others would be problematic because we do not intend to prioritize one 
specific strategy over other possible strategies. In selection 
criterion (B)(5), we do not believe the TQRIS validation process will 
allow for States to demonstrate a direct correlation between the 
suggested items (building protective factors, family engagement, and 
building parent capacity) and changes in quality ratings.
    Changes: None.

Selection Criterion C: Promoting Early Learning and Development 
Outcomes for Children

    Comment: One commenter suggested that a paragraph be added to 
selection criterion C to address the extent to which a State provides 
curricula and related content and materials aligned to State standards 
that are proven effective in improving early literacy and other skills 
by leveraging existing resources, engaging educators and families, and 
identifying the appropriate platforms for content, including high-tech 
digital platforms.
    Discussion: Although the Departments support the ideas expressed in 
this recommendation, this program emphasizes State systems of early 
learning and development, rather than the development of curricula and 
the delivery of content. Because curriculum development is not an 
emphasis of this program, we believe flexibility in this area is best 
left to the discretion of States and local providers. For that reason, 
we decline to make the suggested change.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended including a section that 
addresses training Early Childhood Educators in child development and 
implementation of research-based instructional tools, strategies, 
programs, and techniques to specifically address the needs of Children 
with High Needs through developmentally appropriate differentiated 
instruction.
    Discussion: The Departments recognize that training for Early 
Childhood Educators of Children with High Needs should include training 
in child development and implementation of research-based instructional 
tools, strategies, programs, and techniques that include 
developmentally appropriate differentiated instruction. However, the 
Departments do not believe a unique section needs to be added to 
address this request as multiple priorities and selection criteria 
already address these areas. For example, Priority 4 provides for 
alignment of kindergarten-through-third-grade standards with States' 
Early Learning and Development Standards. Selection criteria (A)(2)(a), 
(B)(1)(a)(1), (B)(4)(2), and (D)(2)(a) and (b) each provide an 
opportunity for States to discuss how child development knowledge on 
early learning and development will be linked to training, professional 
development, and research-based knowledge supporting Children with High 
Needs.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters asked that we require States to 
describe how they have enhanced or will enhance early learning 
standards for English learners to reflect current research on the 
importance of supporting a child's first language.
    Discussion: Selection criterion (C)(1) asks States to describe how, 
and provide evidence that, its Early Learning and Development Standards 
are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate across 
each age group of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and that they 
cover all Essential Domains of School Readiness. The list of evidence 
required for

[[Page 53975]]

selection criterion (C)(1) requests documentation that standards are 
appropriate for English learners. Although the Departments recognize 
the importance of supporting a child's first language, we do not 
believe it is advisable to impose specific requirements on Early 
Learning and Development Standards relating to English learners that 
would restrict a State's flexibility in this area.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding language to the selection 
criteria that would support family engagement and enhance families' 
capacity to support children's learning and development. In selection 
criterion (C)(1)(c), the suggested language would include evidence that 
Early Learning and Development Standards are shared with families along 
with appropriate strategies they can use at home to support children's 
learning and development. In selection criterion (C)(2), the suggested 
language would require States to work with Early Learning and 
Development Programs to select appropriate instruments and to identify 
approaches for soliciting information from parents and articulate 
guidelines for sharing data with parents and involving parents in 
educational decision making. In selection criterion (C)(3), the 
suggested language would involve helping parents to support children's 
physical, social, and emotional health and to promote healthy eating 
habits at home. In selection criterion (C)(4), the suggested language 
relates to helping families build protective factors and adds language 
about family resource centers, family support networks, and community-
based child abuse prevention programs.
    Discussion: In general, the addition of the proposed language to 
selection criterion (C)(1) through (4) is consistent with our intent 
and the purpose of the program, which includes building the capacity of 
families to support the early learning and development of Children with 
High Needs. We are revising the selection criterion accordingly.
    Changes: The Departments have revised selection criterion (C)(1)(c) 
to provide for the applicants to address whether their high-quality 
Early Learning and Development Plans are shared with parents and 
families along with suggestions for appropriate strategies they can use 
at home to support their children's learning and development. We have 
added paragraph (e) to selection criterion (C)(2) to provide language 
relating to States' plans to work with programs to select assessment 
instruments and approaches that are appropriate for soliciting 
information from families and articulating guidelines for sharing data 
and involving families in educational decision making. We have revised 
selection criterion (C)(3) to ask States how they will build families' 
capacity to support children's physical, social, and emotional health 
and to promote healthy eating habits at home. We have revised selection 
criterion (C)(4) to include helping families build protective factors 
and add language about family resource centers, family support 
networks, and community-based child abuse prevention programs.
    Comment: One commenter stated that selection criterion (C)(3), 
which relates to health promotion, should be required rather than an 
optional Focused Investment Area.
    Discussion: In 2011, the Departments gave careful consideration to 
which sections of the selection criteria should be required and which 
should be optional. While we consider all portions of selection 
criteria C, D, and E critical to implementing successful early learning 
reforms, we also recognize that States might not be able to implement 
all of these areas of the program well. Because we have no basis to 
single out selection criterion (C)(3) as more important than the other 
parts of C, D, and E that are also optional, we have chosen to maintain 
the structure of the Core and Focused Investment Areas.
    Changes: None.

Selection Criterion D: A Great Early Childhood Education Workforce

    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that RTT-ELC should focus 
on early childhood program leaders in addition to teachers, and that 
individuals with leadership responsibilities should have in-service and 
pre-service requirements that include knowledge of child development 
and instruction and assessment practices that address the developmental 
needs of young children. According to the commenter, pre-service and 
in-service professional development should include knowledge of child 
development and learning, what is individually appropriate, and what is 
culturally important.
    Discussion: Professional development for individuals with 
leadership responsibilities is already included throughout the 
selection criteria. In particular, selection criterion D, which 
addresses workforce development, applies to Early Childhood Educators, 
and the definition of Early Childhood Educators explicitly includes 
administrators, directors, supervisors, and other leaders, in addition 
to teachers. Furthermore, selection criterion (D)(1) asks States to 
describe their plan to develop a Workforce Knowledge and Competency 
Framework that is designed to promote children's learning and 
development and improve child outcomes, as well as a statewide 
progression of credentials and degrees aligned with this framework. The 
definition of a Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework includes 
the concepts mentioned by this commenter.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that we add language to selection 
criterion (D)(1)(c) that would include public television stations with 
experience providing multiplatform programming and services as a 
specific professional development provider and that we add language to 
selection criterion (D)(2) that would require professional development 
opportunities to be accessible through high-quality multiplatform 
digital content and services.
    Discussion: The Departments believe that these changes are too 
specific with regard to content delivery and that decisions regarding 
specific types of providers or content delivery are best left to 
applicants. That said, nothing in the requirements of this program 
would prevent grantees from focusing on these areas.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended adding language to selection 
criterion (D)(2)(b) regarding training on differentiated instruction 
for diverse learners.
    Discussion: Selection criterion (D)(2)(b) asks the applicant to 
describe policies and incentives to promote professional improvement 
and career advancement in the State's workforce. In selection criterion 
(D)(2), States are asked to describe a High-Quality Plan that targets 
Early Childhood Educators' effectiveness in working with Children with 
High Needs. The Departments recognize that one of many approaches Early 
Childhood Educators could use with Children with High Needs is 
differentiated instruction for diverse learners. However, the 
determination of specific educational strategies is typically made by 
Early Learning and Development Programs--not by the State.
    Changes: None.

Selection Criterion E: Measuring Outcomes and Progress

    Comment: One commenter encouraged the Departments to determine 
benchmark measures to reduce the reliance on assessment at

[[Page 53976]]

kindergarten entry and provide opportunities for mid-point correction 
between birth and age five. The commenter further recommended the 
Departments consider how to support more cross-State development of 
KEAs.
    Discussion: This program supports Comprehensive Assessment Systems 
that provide many opportunities for formative assessment that can help 
inform ``mid-point correction'' strategies as determined by the State 
for children from birth through age five. The Departments believe it 
would be overly prescriptive to establish benchmark measures. The 
commenter's recommendation regarding cross-State development of KEAs is 
being addressed by ED's FY 2013 EAG program, which will support the 
development or enhancement of a KEA that is aligned with States' early 
learning and development standards and that covers all of the Essential 
Domains of School Readiness. This year's EAG program gives priority to 
early learning collaborative efforts among States in developing these 
assessments.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that selection criterion (E)(2)(d) 
be modified to include language on sharing information with parents and 
other stakeholders.
    Discussion: The Departments agree with the purpose of the suggested 
modification.
    Change: The suggested language has been added to selection 
criterion (E)(2)(d) to include sharing information on the State's early 
learning data system with parents and other community stakeholders.
    Final Priorities: The Secretaries establish six priorities. The 
Departments may apply one or more of these priorities in any year in 
which a competition for program funds is held.

Priority 1: Promoting School Readiness for Children With High Needs

    To meet this priority, the State's application must comprehensively 
and coherently address how the State will build a system that increases 
the quality of Early Learning and Development Programs for Children 
with High Needs so that they enter kindergarten ready to succeed.
    The State's application must demonstrate how it will improve the 
quality of Early Learning and Development Programs by integrating and 
aligning resources and policies across Participating State Agencies and 
by designing and implementing a common, statewide Tiered Quality Rating 
and Improvement System. In addition, to achieve the necessary reforms, 
the State must make strategic improvements in those areas that will 
most significantly improve program quality and outcomes for Children 
with High Needs. Therefore, the State must address those criteria from 
within each of the Focused Investment Areas (sections (C) Promoting 
Early Learning and Development Outcomes for Children, (D) A Great Early 
Childhood Education Workforce, and (E) Measuring Outcomes and Progress) 
that it believes will best prepare its Children with High Needs for 
kindergarten success.

Priority 2: Including All Early Learning and Development Programs in 
the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System

    Priority 2 is designed to increase the number of children from 
birth to kindergarten entry who are participating in programs that are 
governed by the State's licensing system and quality standards, with 
the goal that all licensed or State-regulated programs will 
participate. The State will meet this priority based on the extent to 
which the State has in place, or has a High-Quality Plan to implement 
no later than June 30th of the fourth year of the grant--
    (a) A licensing and inspection system that covers all programs that 
are not otherwise regulated by the State and that regularly care for 
two or more unrelated children for a fee in a provider setting; 
provided that if the State exempts programs for reasons other than the 
number of children cared for, the State may exclude those entities and 
reviewers will determine whether an applicant has met this priority 
only on the basis of non-excluded entities; and
    (b) A Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System in which all 
licensed or State-regulated Early Learning and Development Programs 
participate.

Priority 3: Understanding the Status of Children's Learning and 
Development at Kindergarten Entry

    To meet this priority, the State must, in its application, address 
selection criterion (E)(1) and earn a score of at least 70 percent of 
the maximum points available for that criterion.

Priority 4: Creating Preschool Through Third Grade Approaches To 
Sustain Improved Early Learning Outcomes Through the Early Elementary 
Grades

    Priority 4 is designed to build upon the State's High-Quality Plan 
to improve birth through age five early learning outcomes, and to 
sustain and extend improved early learning outcomes through the early 
elementary school years, including by leveraging existing Federal, 
State, and local resources. The State will meet this priority based on 
the extent to which it describes a High-Quality Plan to improve the 
overall quality, alignment, and continuity of teaching and learning to 
serve children from preschool through third grade through such 
activities as--
    (a) Enhancing the State's kindergarten-through-third-grade 
standards to align them with the State's Early Learning and Development 
Standards across all Essential Domains of School Readiness;
    (b) Identifying and addressing the health, behavioral, and 
developmental needs of Children with High Needs from preschool through 
third grade, and building families' capacity to address these needs;
    (c) Implementing teacher preparation and professional development 
programs and strategies that emphasize developmental science and the 
importance of protective factors, pedagogy, and the delivery of 
developmentally appropriate content, strategies for identifying and 
addressing the needs of children experiencing social and emotional 
challenges, and effective family engagement strategies for educators, 
administrators, and related personnel serving children from preschool 
through third grade;
    (d) Implementing model systems of collaboration both within and 
between Early Learning and Development Programs and elementary schools 
to engage and support families and improve all transitions for children 
across the birth through third grade continuum;
    (e) Building or enhancing data systems to monitor the status of 
children's learning and development from preschool through third grade 
to inform families and support student progress in meeting critical 
educational benchmarks in the early elementary grades; and
    (f) Other efforts designed to increase the percentage of children 
who are able to read and do mathematics at grade level by the end of 
the third grade.

Priority 5: Addressing the Needs of Children in Rural Areas

    The State will meet this priority based on the extent to which it 
describes:
    (a) How it will implement approaches to address the unique needs 
(e.g., limited access to resources) of children in rural areas, 
including rural areas with small populations; and
    (b) How these approaches are designed to close educational and

[[Page 53977]]

opportunity gaps for Children with High Needs, increase the number and 
percentage of Low-Income children who are enrolled in high-quality 
Early Learning and Development Programs; and enhance the State's 
integrated system of high-quality early learning programs and services.

Priority 6: Encouraging Private-Sector Support

    The State will meet this priority based on the extent to which it 
describes how the private sector will provide financial and other 
resources to support the State and its Participating State Agencies or 
Participating Programs in the implementation of the State Plan.

Types of Priorities

    When inviting applications for a competition using one or more 
priorities, we designate the type of each priority as absolute, 
competitive preference, or invitational through a notice in the Federal 
Register. The effect of each type of priority follows:
    Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only 
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
    Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference 
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by (1) 
awarding additional points, depending on the extent to which the 
application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) 
selecting an application that meets the priority over an application of 
comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
    Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are 
particularly interested in applications that meet the priority. 
However, we do not give an application that meets the priority a 
preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).

Final Requirements

    I. Eligibility Requirements: The Secretaries establish the 
following requirements a State must meet in order to be eligible to 
receive funds under this competition. We may apply one or more of these 
requirements in any year in which this program is in effect.
    States must meet the following requirements:
    (a) The State has not previously received an RTT-ELC grant.
    (b) The Lead Agency must have executed with each Participating 
State Agency a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or other binding 
agreement that the State must attach to its application, describing the 
Participating State Agency's level of participation in the grant. At a 
minimum, the MOU or other binding agreement must include an assurance 
that the Participating State Agency agrees to use, to the extent 
applicable--
    (1) A set of statewide Early Learning and Development Standards;
    (2) A set of statewide Program Standards;
    (3) A statewide Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System; and
    (4) A statewide Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework and 
progression of credentials.
    (c) There must be an active Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood 
Home Visiting (MIECHV) program in the State, either through the State 
under section 511(c) of Title V of the Social Security Act, as added by 
section 2951 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-148), or 
through an eligible non-profit organization under section 511(h)(2)(B).
    II. Application Requirements: The Secretaries establish the 
following application requirements for the application a State would 
submit for funding under this competition. We may apply one or more of 
these requirements in any year in which this program is in effect.
    Each applicant must meet the following application requirements:
    (a) The State's application must be signed by the Governor or an 
authorized representative; an authorized representative from the Lead 
Agency; and an authorized representative from each Participating State 
Agency.
    (b) The State must submit a certification from the State Attorney 
General or an authorized representative that the State's description 
of, and statements and conclusions in its application concerning, State 
law, statute, and regulation are complete and accurate and constitute a 
reasonable interpretation of State law, statute, and regulation.
    (c) The State must complete the budget spreadsheets that are 
provided in the application package and submit the completed 
spreadsheet as part of its application. These spreadsheets should be 
included on the CD or DVD that the State submits as its application.
    (d) The State must submit preliminary scopes of work for each 
Participating State Agency as part of the executed MOU or other binding 
agreement. Each preliminary scope of work must describe the portions of 
the State's proposed plans that the Participating State Agency is 
agreeing to implement. If a State is awarded an RTT-ELC grant, the 
State will have up to 90 days to complete final scopes of work for each 
Participating State Agency.
    (e) The State must include a budget that details how it will use 
grant funds awarded under this competition, and funds from other 
Federal, State, private, and local sources to achieve the outcomes of 
the State Plan (as described in selection criterion (A)(4)(a)), and how 
the State will use funds awarded under this program to--
    (1) Achieve its ambitious yet achievable targets for increasing the 
number and percentage of Early Learning and Development Programs that 
are participating in the State's Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement 
System (as described in selection criterion (B)(2)(c)); and
    (2) Achieve its ambitious yet achievable targets for increasing the 
number and percentage of Children with High Needs who are enrolled in 
Early Learning and Development Programs that are in the top tiers of 
the State's Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (as described 
in selection criterion (B)(4)(c)).
    (f) The State must provide an overall summary for the State Plan 
and a rationale for why it has chosen to address the selected criteria 
in each Focused Investment Area, including--
     How the State's choices build on its progress to date in 
each Focused Investment Area (as outlined in Tables (A)(1)6-13 and the 
narrative under (A)(1)); and
     Why these selected criteria will best achieve the State's 
ambitious yet achievable goals for improving program quality, improving 
outcomes for Children with High Needs statewide, and closing the 
educational gaps between Children with High Needs and their peers.
    (g) The State, within each Focused Investment Area, must select and 
address--
     Two or more selection criteria within Focused Investment 
Area (C) Promoting Early Learning and Development Outcomes for 
Children; and
     One or more selection criteria within Focused Investment 
Areas (D) A Great Early Childhood Education Workforce and (E) Measuring 
Outcomes and Progress.
    (h) Where the State is submitting a High-Quality Plan, the State 
must include in its application a detailed plan that is feasible and 
includes, but need not be limited to--
    (1) The key goals;
    (2) The key activities to be undertaken; the rationale for the 
activities; and, if applicable, where in the State the activities will 
be initially implemented, and where and how they will be scaled up over 
time to

[[Page 53978]]

eventually achieve statewide implementation;
    (3) A realistic timeline, including key milestones, for 
implementing each key activity;
    (4) The party or parties responsible for implementing each activity 
and other key personnel assigned to each activity;
    (5) Appropriate financial resources to support successful 
implementation of the plan;
    (6) The information requested as supporting evidence, if any, 
together with any additional information the State believes will be 
helpful to peer reviewers in judging the credibility of the plan;
    (7) The information requested or required in the performance 
measures, where applicable;
    (8) How the State will address the needs of the different types of 
Early Learning and Development Programs, if applicable; and
    (9) How the State will meet the unique needs of Children with High 
Needs.
    III. Program Requirements: The Secretaries establish the following 
program requirements for States receiving funds under this competition. 
We may apply one or more of these requirements in any year in which 
this program is in effect.
    (a) The State must have an operational State Advisory Council on 
Early Childhood Education and Care that meets the requirements 
described in section 642B(b) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9837(b)). 
In addition, the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education 
and Care must include the State's Child Care and Development Fund 
(CCDF) administrator, State agency coordinators from both Part B 
section 619 and Part C of IDEA, and State agency representatives 
responsible for health and mental health.
    (b) The State must continue to participate in the programs 
authorized under section 619 of Part B of IDEA and Part C of IDEA and 
in the CCDF program.
    (c) States must continue to have an active MIECHV program (pursuant 
to section 511 of Title V of the Social Security Act, as added by 
section 2951 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-148)) for 
the duration of the grant, whether operated by the State or by an 
eligible non-profit organization.
    (d) The State is prohibited from spending funds from the grant on 
the direct delivery of health services.
    (e) The State must participate in RTT-ELC grantee technical 
assistance activities facilitated by ED or HHS, individually or in 
collaboration with other State grantees in order to share effective 
program practices and solutions and collaboratively solve problems, and 
must set aside $400,000 from its grant funds for this purpose.
    (f) The State must--
    (1) Comply with the requirements of any evaluation sponsored by ED 
or HHS of any of the State's activities carried out with the grant;
    (2) Comply with the requirements of any cross-State evaluation--as 
part of a consortium of States--of any of the State's proposed reforms, 
if that evaluation is coordinated or funded by ED or HHS, including by 
using common measures and data collection instruments and collecting 
data necessary to the evaluation;
    (3) Together with its independent evaluator, if any, cooperate with 
any technical assistance regarding evaluations provided by ED or HHS. 
The purpose of this technical assistance will be to ensure that the 
validation of the State's Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System 
and any other evaluations conducted by States or their independent 
evaluators, if any, are of the highest quality and to encourage 
commonality in approaches where such commonality is feasible and 
useful;
    (4) Submit to ED and HHS for review and comment its design for the 
validation of its Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (as 
described in selection criterion (B)(5)) and any other evaluations of 
activities included in the State Plan, including any activities that 
are part of the State's Focused Investment Areas, as applicable; and
    (5) Make widely available through formal (e.g., peer-reviewed 
journals) or informal (e.g., newsletters) mechanisms, and in print or 
electronically, the results of any evaluations it conducts of its 
funded activities.
    (g) The State must have a longitudinal data system that includes 
the 12 elements described in section 6401(e)(2)(D) of the America 
COMPETES Act by the date required under the State Fiscal Stabilization 
Fund (SFSF) grant and in accordance with Indicator (b)(1) of its 
approved SFSF plan.
    (h) The State must comply with the requirements of all applicable 
Federal, State, and local privacy laws, including the requirements of 
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Health Insurance 
Portability Accountability Act, and the privacy requirements in IDEA, 
and their applicable regulations.
    (i) The State must ensure that the grant activities are implemented 
in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws.
    (j) The State must provide researchers with access, consistent with 
the requirements of all applicable Federal, State, and local privacy 
laws, to data from its Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System and 
from the Statewide Longitudinal Data System and the State's coordinated 
early learning data system (if applicable) so that they can analyze the 
State's quality improvement efforts and answer key policy and practice 
questions.
    (k) Unless otherwise protected as proprietary information by 
Federal or State law or a specific written agreement, the State must 
make any work (e.g., materials, tools, processes, systems) developed 
under its grant freely available to the public, including by posting 
the work on a Web site identified or sponsored by ED or HHS. Any Web 
sites developed under this grant must meet government or industry-
recognized standards for accessibility (www.section508.gov/).
    (l) Funds made available under an RTT-ELC grant must be used to 
supplement, not supplant, any Federal, State, or local funds that, in 
the absence of the funds awarded under this grant, would be available 
for increasing access to and improving the quality of Early Learning 
and Development Programs.
    (m) For a State that is awarded an RTT-ELC grant, the State will 
have up to 90 days from the grant award notification date to complete 
final scopes of work for each Participating State Agency. These final 
scopes of work must contain detailed work plans that are consistent 
with their corresponding preliminary scopes of work and with the 
State's grant application, and must include the Participating State 
Agency's specific goals, activities, timelines, budgets, key personnel, 
and annual targets for key performance measures for the portions of the 
State's proposed plans that the Participating State Agency is agreeing 
to implement.
    IV. Budget Requirements: The Secretaries establish the following 
budget requirements for States receiving funds under this competition. 
We may apply these requirements in any year in which this program is in 
effect.
    Category 1--Up to $75 million--Florida, New York, Texas.
    Category 2--Up to $52.5 million--Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, 
Pennsylvania.
    Category 3--Up to $45 million--Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, 
Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, 
Tennessee, Virginia.

[[Page 53979]]

    Category 4--Up to $37.5 million--Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, 
District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, 
Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, 
Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming.
    The State must include in its budget the amount of funds it intends 
to distribute through memoranda of understanding (MOUs), interagency 
agreements, contracts, subgrants, or other mechanisms authorized by 
State procurement laws, to localities, Early Learning Intermediary 
Organizations, Participating Programs, or other partners.
    The State must set aside $400,000 from its grant funds for the 
purpose of participating in RTT-ELC grantee technical assistance 
activities facilitated by ED or HHS.
    Final Definitions: The Secretaries establish the following 
definitions for this program. We may apply one or more of these 
definitions in any year in which this program is in effect.
    Children with High Needs means children from birth through 
kindergarten entry who are from Low-Income families or otherwise in 
need of special assistance and support, including children who have 
disabilities or developmental delays; who are English learners; who 
reside on ``Indian lands'' as that term is defined by section 8013(7) 
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended 
(ESEA); who are migrant, homeless, or in foster care; and other 
children as identified by the State.
    Common Education Data Standards (CEDS) means voluntary, common 
standards for a key set of education data elements (e.g., demographics, 
program participation, transition, course information) at the early 
learning, K-12, and postsecondary levels developed through a national 
collaborative effort being led by the National Center for Education 
Statistics. CEDS focus on standard definitions, code sets, and 
technical specifications of a subset of key data elements and are 
designed to increase data interoperability, portability, and 
comparability across Early Learning and Development Programs and 
agencies, States, local educational agencies, and postsecondary 
institutions.
    Comprehensive Assessment System means a coordinated and 
comprehensive system of multiple assessments, each of which is valid 
and reliable for its specified purpose and for the population with 
which it will be used, that organizes information about the process and 
context of young children's learning and development in order to help 
Early Childhood Educators make informed instructional and programmatic 
decisions and that conforms to the recommendations of the National 
Research Council reports on early childhood.
    A Comprehensive Assessment System includes, at a minimum--
    (a) Screening Measures;
    (b) Formative Assessments;
    (c) Measures of Environmental Quality; and
    (d) Measures of the Quality of Adult-Child Interactions.
    Data System Oversight Requirements means policies for ensuring the 
quality, privacy, and integrity of data contained in a data system, 
including--
    (a) A data governance policy that identifies the elements that are 
collected and maintained; provides for training on internal controls to 
system users; establishes who will have access to the data in the 
system and how the data may be used; sets appropriate internal controls 
to restrict access to only authorized users; sets criteria for 
determining the legitimacy of data requests; establishes processes that 
verify the accuracy, completeness, and age of the data elements 
maintained in the system; sets procedures for determining the 
sensitivity of each inventoried element and the risk of harm if those 
data were improperly disclosed; and establishes procedures for 
disclosure review and auditing; and
    (b) A transparency policy that informs the public, including 
families, Early Childhood Educators, and programs, of the existence of 
data systems that house personally identifiable information, explains 
what data elements are included in such a system, enables parental 
consent to disclose personally identifiable information as appropriate, 
and describes allowable and potential uses of the data.
    Early Childhood Educator means any professional working in an Early 
Learning and Development Program, including but not limited to center-
based and family child care providers; infant and toddler specialists; 
early intervention specialists and early childhood special educators; 
home visitors; related services providers; administrators such as 
directors, supervisors, and other early learning and development 
leaders; Head Start teachers; Early Head Start teachers; preschool and 
other teachers; teacher assistants; family service staff; and health 
coordinators.
    Early Learning and Development Program means any (a) State-licensed 
or State-regulated program or provider, regardless of setting or 
funding source, that provides early care and education for children 
from birth to kindergarten entry, including, but not limited to, any 
program operated by a child care center or in a family child care home; 
(b) preschool program funded by the Federal Government or State or 
local educational agencies (including any IDEA-funded program); (c) 
Early Head Start and Head Start program; and (d) a non-relative child 
care provider who is not otherwise regulated by the State and who 
regularly cares for two or more unrelated children for a fee in a 
provider setting. A State should include in this definition other 
programs that may deliver early learning and development services in a 
child's home, such as the MIECHV; Early Head Start; and Part C of 
IDEA.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Note: Such home-based programs and services will most likely 
not participate in the State's Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement 
System unless the State has developed a set of tiered Program 
Standards specifically for home-based programs and services.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Early Learning and Development Standards means a set of 
expectations, guidelines, or developmental milestones that--
    (a) Describe what all children from birth to kindergarten entry 
should know and be able to do and their disposition toward learning;
    (b) Are appropriate for each age group (e.g., infants, toddlers, 
and preschoolers); for English learners; and for children with 
disabilities or developmental delays;
    (c) Cover all Essential Domains of School Readiness; and
    (d) Are universally designed and developmentally, culturally, and 
linguistically appropriate.
    Early Learning Intermediary Organization means a national, 
statewide, regional, or community-based organization that represents 
one or more networks of Early Learning and Development Programs in the 
State and that has influence or authority over them. Such Early 
Learning Intermediary Organizations include, but are not limited to, 
Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies; State Head Start 
Associations; Family Child Care Associations; State affiliates of the 
National Association for the Education of Young Children; State 
affiliates of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division of Early 
Childhood; statewide or regional union affiliates that represent Early 
Childhood Educators; affiliates of the National Migrant and Seasonal 
Head Start Association; the National Tribal, American Indian, and 
Alaskan Native Head Start Association; and the National Indian Child 
Care Association.

[[Page 53980]]

    Essential Data Elements means the critical child, program, and 
workforce data elements of a coordinated early learning data system, 
including--
    (a) A unique statewide child identifier or another highly accurate, 
proven method to link data on that child, including Kindergarten Entry 
Assessment data, to and from the Statewide Longitudinal Data System and 
the coordinated early learning data system (if applicable);
    (b) A unique statewide Early Childhood Educator identifier;
    (c) A unique program site identifier;
    (d) Child and family demographic information, including indicators 
identifying the criteria that States use to determine whether a child 
is a Child with High Needs;
    (e) Early Childhood Educator demographic information, including 
data on educational attainment and State credential or licenses held, 
as well as professional development information;
    (f) Program-level data on the program's structure, quality, child 
suspension and expulsion rates, staff retention, staff compensation, 
work environment, and all applicable data reported as part of the 
State's Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System; and
    (g) Child-level program participation and attendance data.
    Essential Domains of School Readiness means the domains of language 
and literacy development, cognition and general knowledge (including 
early mathematics and early scientific development), approaches toward 
learning, physical well-being and motor development (including adaptive 
skills), and social and emotional development.
    Formative Assessment (also known as a classroom-based or ongoing 
assessment) means assessment questions, tools, and processes--
    (a) That are--
    (1) Specifically designed to monitor children's progress in meeting 
the Early Learning and Development Standards;
    (2) Valid and reliable for their intended purposes and their target 
populations; and
    (3) Linked directly to the curriculum; and
    (b) The results of which are used to guide and improve 
instructional practices.
    High-Quality Plan means any plan developed by the State to address 
a selection criterion or priority in this notice that is feasible and 
has a high probability of successful implementation and at a minimum 
includes--
    (a) The key goals;
    (b) The key activities to be undertaken; the rationale for the 
activities; and, if applicable, where in the State the activities will 
be initially implemented, and where and how they will be scaled up over 
time to eventually achieve statewide implementation;
    (c) A realistic timeline, including key milestones, for 
implementing each key activity;
    (d) The party or parties responsible for implementing each activity 
and other key personnel assigned to each activity;
    (e) Appropriate financial resources to support successful 
implementation of the plan;
    (f) The information requested as supporting evidence, if any, 
together with any additional information the State believes will be 
helpful to peer reviewers in judging the credibility of the plan;
    (g) The information requested in the performance measures, where 
applicable;
    (h) How the State will address the needs of the different types of 
Early Learning and Development Programs, if applicable; and
    (i) How the State will meet the needs of Children with High Needs.
    Kindergarten Entry Assessment means an assessment that--
    (a) Is administered to children during the first few months of 
their admission into kindergarten;
    (b) Covers all Essential Domains of School Readiness;
    (c) Is used in conformance with the recommendations of the National 
Research Council \5\ reports on early childhood; and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ National Research Council. (2008). Early Childhood 
Assessment: Why, What, and How. Committee on Developmental Outcomes 
and Assessments for Young Children, C.E. Snow and S.B. Van Hemel, 
Editors. Board on Children, Youth, and Families, Board on Testing 
and Assessment, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and 
Education. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 
www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12446.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Is valid and reliable for its intended purposes and for the 
target populations and aligned to the Early Learning and Development 
Standards.
    Results of the assessment should be used to inform efforts to close 
the school readiness gap at kindergarten entry, to inform instruction 
in the early elementary school grades, and to inform parents about 
their children's status and involve them in decisions about their 
children's education. This assessment must not be used to prevent 
children's entry into kindergarten or as a single measure for high-
stakes decisions.
    Lead Agency means the State-level agency designated by the Governor 
for the administration of the RTT-ELC grant; this agency is the fiscal 
agent for the grant. The Lead Agency must be one of the Participating 
State Agencies.
    Low-Income means having an income of up to 200 percent of the 
Federal poverty rate.
    Measures of Environmental Quality means valid and reliable 
indicators of the overall quality of the early learning environment.
    Measures of the Quality of Adult-Child Interactions means the 
measures obtained through valid and reliable processes for observing 
how teachers and caregivers interact with children, where such 
processes are designed to promote child learning and to identify 
strengths of and areas for improvement for early learning 
professionals.
    Participating Program means an Early Learning and Development 
Program that elects to carry out activities described in the State 
Plan.
    Participating State Agency means a State agency that administers 
public funds related to early learning and development and is 
participating in the State Plan. The following State agencies are 
required Participating State Agencies: the agencies that administer or 
supervise the administration of CCDF, the section 619 of Part B of IDEA 
and Part C of IDEA programs, State-funded preschool, home visiting, 
Title I of ESEA, the Head Start State Collaboration Grant, and the 
Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, the State's 
Child Care Licensing Agency, and the State educational agency. Other 
State agencies, such as the agencies that administer or supervise the 
administration of Child Welfare, Mental Health, Temporary Assistance 
for Needy Families (TANF), Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention, the 
Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Adult Education and Family 
Literacy Act, may be Participating State Agencies if they elect to 
participate in the State Plan as well as the State Advisory Council on 
Early Childhood Education and Care.
    Program Standards means the standards that serve as the basis for a 
Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System and define differentiated 
levels of quality for Early Learning and Development Programs. Program 
Standards are expressed, at a minimum, by the extent to which--
    (a) Early Learning and Development Standards are implemented 
through evidence-based activities, interventions, or curricula that are 
appropriate for each age group of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;

[[Page 53981]]

    (b) Comprehensive Assessment Systems are used routinely and 
appropriately to improve instruction and enhance program quality by 
providing robust and coherent evidence of--
    (1) Children's learning and development outcomes; and
    (2) Program performance;
    (c) A qualified workforce improves young children's health, social, 
emotional, and educational outcomes;
    (d) Culturally and linguistically responsive strategies are 
successfully used to engage families, help them build protective 
factors, and strengthen their capacity to support their children's 
development and learning. These strategies may include, but are not 
limited to, parent access to the program, ongoing two-way communication 
with families, parent education in child development, outreach to 
fathers and other family members, training and support for families as 
children move to preschool and kindergarten, social networks of 
support, intergenerational activities, linkages with community supports 
and adult and family literacy programs, parent involvement in decision 
making, and parent leadership development;
    (e) Health promotion practices include health and safety 
requirements; developmental, behavioral, and sensory screening, 
referral, and follow up; and the promotion of physical activity, 
healthy eating habits, oral health and behavioral health, and health 
literacy among parents; and
    (f) Effective data practices include gathering Essential Data 
Elements and entering them into the State's Statewide Longitudinal Data 
System or other early learning data system, using these data to guide 
instruction and program improvement, and making this information 
readily available to families.
    Screening Measures means age and developmentally appropriate, 
valid, and reliable instruments that are used to identify children who 
may need follow-up services to address developmental, learning, or 
health needs in, at a minimum, the areas of physical health, behavioral 
health, oral health, child development, vision, and hearing.
    State means any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 
Puerto Rico.
    State Plan means the plan submitted as part of the State's RTT-ELC 
application.
    Statewide Longitudinal Data System means the State's longitudinal 
education data system that collects and maintains detailed, high-
quality, student- and staff-level data that are linked across entities 
and that over time provide a complete academic and performance history 
for each student. The Statewide Longitudinal Data System is typically 
housed within the State educational agency but includes or can be 
connected to early childhood, postsecondary, and labor data.
    Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System means the system 
through which the State uses a set of progressively higher Program 
Standards to evaluate the quality of an Early Learning and Development 
Program and to support program improvement. A Tiered Quality Rating and 
Improvement System consists of four components: (a) Tiered Program 
Standards with multiple rating categories that clearly and meaningfully 
differentiate program quality levels; (b) monitoring to evaluate 
program quality based on the Program Standards; (c) supports to help 
programs meet progressively higher standards (e.g., through training, 
technical assistance, financial support); and (d) program quality 
ratings that are publically available; and includes a process for 
validating the system.
    Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework means a set of 
expectations that describes what Early Childhood Educators (including 
those working with children with disabilities and English learners) 
should know and be able to do. The Workforce Knowledge and Competency 
Framework, at a minimum, (a) Is evidence based; (b) incorporates 
knowledge and application of the State's Early Learning and Development 
Standards, the Comprehensive Assessment Systems, child development, 
health, and culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies for 
working with families; (c) includes knowledge of early mathematics and 
literacy development and effective instructional practices to support 
mathematics and literacy development in young children; (d) 
incorporates effective use of data to guide instruction and program 
improvement; (e) includes effective behavior management strategies that 
promote positive social and emotional development and reduce 
challenging behaviors; (f) incorporates feedback from experts at the 
State's postsecondary institutions and other early learning and 
development experts and Early Childhood Educators; and (g) includes 
knowledge of protective factors and effective approaches to partnering 
with families and building families' knowledge, skills, and capacity to 
promote children's health and development.
    Final Selection Criteria: The Secretaries establish the following 
selection criteria for evaluating an application under this program. We 
may apply one or more of these criteria in any year in which this 
program is in effect. The Secretaries may use:
     One or more of the selection criteria established in this 
notice of final priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection 
criteria;
     Any of the selection criteria in 34 CFR 75.210;
     Criteria based on the statutory requirements for the RTT-
ECL program in accordance with 34 CFR 75.209; or
     Any combination of these when establishing selection 
criteria for any RTT-ELC competition.

The Secretaries may further define each criterion by selecting specific 
factors for it. The Secretaries may select these factors from any 
selection criterion in the list below. In the notice inviting 
applications published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, 
we announce the specific selection criteria that apply to a competition 
and the maximum possible points assigned to each criterion.

Core Areas--Sections (A) (Successful State Systems) and (B) (High-
Quality, Accountable Programs)

    States must address in their application all of the selection 
criteria in the Core Areas--Sections (A) (Successful State Systems) and 
(B) (High-Quality, Accountable Programs).

A. Successful State Systems

(A)(1) Demonstrating Past Commitment to Early Learning and Development
    The extent to which the State has demonstrated past commitment to 
and investment in high-quality, accessible Early Learning and 
Development Programs and services for Children with High Needs, as 
evidenced by the State's--
    (a) Financial investment, from five years ago to the present, in 
Early Learning and Development Programs, including the amount of these 
investments in relation to the size of the State's population of 
Children with High Needs during this time period;
    (b) Increasing, from the previous five years to the present, the 
number of Children with High Needs participating in Early Learning and 
Development Programs;
    (c) Existing early learning and development legislation, policies, 
or practices; and
    (d) Current status in key areas that form the building blocks for a 
high-quality early learning and development system, including Early 
Learning and Development Standards, Comprehensive Assessment Systems,

[[Page 53982]]

health promotion practices, family engagement strategies, the 
development of Early Childhood Educators, Kindergarten Entry 
Assessments, and effective data practices.
    Evidence for (A)(1):
     The number and percentage of children from Low-Income 
families in the State, by age.
     The number and percentage of Children with High Needs from 
special populations in the State.
     The number of Children with High Needs in the State who 
are enrolled in Early Learning and Development Programs, by age, race, 
and ethnicity.
     Data currently available, if any, on the status of 
children at kindergarten entry (across Essential Domains of School 
Readiness, if available), including data on the readiness gap between 
Children with High Needs and their peers.
     Data currently available, if any, on program quality 
across different types of Early Learning and Development Programs.
     The number of Children with High Needs participating in 
each type of Early Learning and Development Program for each of the 
previous five years to the present.
     The number of Children with High Needs participating in 
each type of Early Learning and Development Program for each of the 
previous five years to the present.
     The current status of the State's Early Learning and 
Development Standards, for each of the Essential Domains of School 
Readiness, by age group of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
     The elements of a Comprehensive Assessment System 
currently required within the State by different types of Early 
Learning and Development Programs or systems.
     The elements of high-quality health promotion practices 
currently required within the State by different types of Early 
Learning and Development Programs or systems.
     The elements of a high-quality family engagement strategy 
currently required within the State by different types of Early 
Learning and Development Programs or systems.
     All early learning and development workforce credentials 
currently available in the State, including whether credentials are 
aligned with a State Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework and 
the number and percentage of Early Childhood Educators who have each 
type of credential.
     The current status of postsecondary institutions and other 
professional development providers in the State that issue credentials 
or degrees to Early Childhood Educators.
     The current status of the State's Kindergarten Entry 
Assessment.
     All early learning and development data systems currently 
used in the State.
    Performance Measures for (A)(1):
     None required.
(A)(2) Articulating the State's Rationale for Its Early Learning and 
Development Reform Agenda and Goals
    The extent to which the State clearly articulates a comprehensive 
early learning and development reform agenda that is ambitious yet 
achievable, builds on the State's progress to date (as demonstrated in 
selection criterion (A)(1)), is likely to result in improved school 
readiness for Children with High Needs, and includes--
    (a) Ambitious yet achievable goals for improving program quality, 
improving outcomes for Children with High Needs statewide, and closing 
the educational gaps between Children with High Needs and their peers;
    (b) An overall summary of the State Plan that clearly articulates 
how the High-Quality Plans proposed under each selection criterion, 
when taken together, constitute an effective reform agenda that 
establishes a clear and credible path toward achieving these goals; and
    (c) A specific rationale that justifies the State's choice to 
address the selected criteria in each Focused Investment Area (C), (D), 
and (E), including why these selected criteria will best achieve these 
goals.
    Evidence for (A)(2):
     The State's goals for improving program quality statewide 
over the period of this grant.
     The State's goals for improving child outcomes statewide 
over the period of this grant.
     The State's goals for closing the readiness gap between 
Children with High Needs and their peers at kindergarten entry.
     Identification of the two or more selection criteria that 
the State has chosen to address in Focused Investment Area (C).
     Identification of the one or more selection criteria that 
the State has chosen to address in Focused Investment Area (D).
     Identification of the one or more selection criteria that 
the State has chosen to address in Focused Investment Area (E).
     For each Focused Investment Area (C), (D), and (E), a 
description of the State's rationale for choosing to address the 
selected criteria in that Focused Investment Area, including how the 
State's choices build on its progress to date in each Focused 
Investment Area (as outlined in the narrative under (A)(1) in the 
application) and why these selected criteria will best achieve the 
State's ambitious yet achievable goals for improving program quality, 
improving outcomes for Children with High Needs statewide, and closing 
the educational gap between Children with High Needs and their peers.
    Performance Measures for (A)(2):
     None required.
(A)(3) Aligning and Coordinating Early Learning and Development Across 
the State
    The extent to which the State has established, or has a High-
Quality Plan to establish, strong participation in and commitment to 
the State Plan by Participating State Agencies and other early learning 
and development stakeholders by--
    (a) Demonstrating how the Participating State Agencies and other 
partners, if any, will identify a governance structure for working 
together that will facilitate interagency coordination, streamline 
decision making, effectively allocate resources, and create long-term 
sustainability, and describing--
    (1) The organizational structure for managing the grant and how it 
builds upon existing interagency governance structures such as 
children's cabinets, councils, and commissions, if any already exist 
and are effective;
    (2) The governance-related roles and responsibilities of the Lead 
Agency, the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and 
Care, each Participating State Agency, and the State's Interagency 
Coordinating Council for Part C of IDEA, and other partners, if any;
    (3) The method and process for making different types of decisions 
(e.g., policy, operational) and resolving disputes; and
    (4) The plan for when and how the State will involve 
representatives from Participating Programs, Early Childhood Educators 
or their representatives, parents and families, including parents and 
families of Children with High Needs, and other key stakeholders in the 
planning and implementation of the activities carried out under the 
grant;
    (b) Demonstrating that the Participating State Agencies are 
strongly committed to the State Plan, to the governance structure of 
the grant, and to effective implementation of the State Plan, by 
including in the MOUs or other binding agreements between the State and 
each Participating State Agency--

[[Page 53983]]

    (1) Terms and conditions that reflect a strong commitment to the 
State Plan by each Participating State Agency, including terms and 
conditions designed to align and leverage the Participating State 
Agencies' existing funding to support the State Plan;
    (2) ``Scope-of-work'' descriptions that require each Participating 
State Agency to implement all applicable portions of the State Plan and 
a description of efforts to maximize the number of Early Learning and 
Development Programs that become Participating Programs; and
    (3) A signature from an authorized representative of each 
Participating State Agency; and
    (c) Demonstrating commitment to the State Plan from a broad group 
of stakeholders that will assist the State in reaching the ambitious 
yet achievable goals outlined in response to selection criterion 
(A)(2)(a), including by obtaining--
    (1) Detailed and persuasive letters of intent or support from Early 
Learning Intermediary Organizations, and, if applicable, local early 
learning councils; and
    (2) Letters of intent or support from such other stakeholders as 
Early Childhood Educators or their representatives; the State's 
legislators; local community leaders; State or local school boards; 
representatives of private and faith-based early learning programs; 
other State and local leaders (e.g., business, community, tribal, civil 
rights, education association leaders); adult education and family 
literacy State and local leaders; family and community organizations; 
representatives from the disability community, the English learner 
community, and entities representing other Children with High Needs 
(e.g., parent councils, nonprofit organizations, local foundations, 
tribal organizations, and community-based organizations); libraries and 
children's museums; health providers; public television stations; and 
postsecondary institutions.
    Evidence for (A)(3)(a) and (b):
     For (A)(3)(a)(1): An organizational chart that shows how 
the grant will be governed and managed.
     Governance-related roles and responsibilities.
     A copy of all fully executed MOUs or other binding 
agreements that cover each Participating State Agency. (MOUs or other 
binding agreements should be referenced in the narrative but must be 
included in the Appendix to the application).
    Evidence for (A)(3)(c)(1):
     A list of every Early Learning Intermediary Organization 
and local early learning council (if applicable) in the State that 
indicates which organizations and councils have submitted letters of 
intent or support.
     A copy of every letter of intent or support from Early 
Learning Intermediary Organizations and local early learning councils.
    Evidence for (A)(3)(c)(2):
     A copy of every letter of intent or support from other 
stakeholders.
    Performance Measures for (A)(3):
     None required.
(A)(4) Developing a Budget To Implement and Sustain the Work of This 
Grant
    The extent to which the State Plan--
    (a) Demonstrates how the State will use existing funds that support 
early learning and development from Federal, State, private, and local 
sources (e.g., CCDF; Title I and II of ESEA; IDEA; Striving Readers 
Comprehensive Literacy Program; State preschool; Head Start 
Collaboration funding; MIECHV program; Title V MCH Block Grant; TANF; 
Medicaid; child welfare services under Title IV (B) and (E) of the 
Social Security Act; Statewide Longitudinal Data System; foundation; 
other private funding sources) for activities and services that help 
achieve the outcomes in the State Plan, including how the quality set-
asides in CCDF will be used;
    (b) Describes, in both the budget tables and budget narratives, how 
the State will effectively and efficiently use funding from this grant 
to achieve the outcomes in the State Plan, in a manner that--
    (1) Is adequate to support the activities described in the State 
Plan;
    (2) Includes costs that are reasonable and necessary in relation to 
the objectives, design, and significance of the activities described in 
the State Plan and the number of children to be served; and
    (3) Details the amount of funds budgeted for Participating State 
Agencies, localities, Early Learning Intermediary Organizations, 
Participating Programs, or other partners, and the specific activities 
to be implemented with these funds consistent with the State Plan, and 
demonstrates that a significant amount of funding will be devoted to 
the local implementation of the State Plan; and
    (c) Demonstrates that it can be sustained after the grant period 
ends to ensure that the number and percentage of Children with High 
Needs served by Early Learning and Development Programs in the State 
will be maintained or expanded.
    Evidence for (A)(4)(a):
     The existing funds to be used to achieve the outcomes in 
the State Plan.
     Description of how these existing funds will be used for 
activities and services that help achieve the outcomes in the State 
Plan.
    Evidence for (A)(4)(b):
     The State's budget.
     The narratives that accompany and explain the budget and 
describe how it connects to the State Plan.
    Performance Measures for (A)(4):
     None required.

B. High-Quality, Accountable Programs

(B)(1) Developing and Adopting a Common, Statewide Tiered Quality 
Rating and Improvement System
    The extent to which the State and its Participating State Agencies 
have developed and adopted, or have a High-Quality Plan to develop and 
adopt, a Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System that--
    (a) Is based on a statewide set of tiered Program Standards that 
include--
    (1) Early Learning and Development Standards;
    (2) A Comprehensive Assessment System;
    (3) Early Childhood Educator qualifications;
    (4) Family engagement strategies;
    (5) Health promotion practices; and
    (6) Effective data practices;
    (b) Is clear and has standards that are measurable, meaningfully 
differentiate program quality levels, and reflect high expectations of 
program excellence commensurate with nationally recognized standards 
that lead to improved learning outcomes for children; and
    (c) Is linked to the State licensing system for Early Learning and 
Development Programs.
    Evidence for (B)(1):
     Each set of existing Program Standards currently used in 
the State and the elements that are included in those Program Standards 
(Early Learning and Development Standards, Comprehensive Assessment 
Systems, Qualified Workforce, Family Engagement, Health Promotion, 
Effective Data Practices, and Other).
     To the extent the State has developed and adopted a Tiered 
Quality Rating and Improvement System based on a common set of tiered 
Program Standards that meet the elements in selection criterion 
(B)(1)(a), submit--
    [cir] A copy of the tiered Program Standards;
    [cir] Documentation that the Program Standards address all areas 
outlined in the definition of Program Standards, demonstrate high 
expectations of program excellence commensurate with nationally 
recognized standards, and are

[[Page 53984]]

linked to the States licensing system; and
    [cir] Documentation of how the tiers meaningfully differentiate 
levels of quality.
    Performance Measures for (B)(1):
     None required.
(B)(2) Promoting Participation in the State's Tiered Quality Rating and 
Improvement System
    The extent to which the State has maximized, or has a High-Quality 
Plan to maximize, program participation in the State's Tiered Quality 
Rating and Improvement System by--
    (a) Implementing effective policies and practices to reach the goal 
of having all publicly funded Early Learning and Development Programs 
participate in such a system, including programs in each of the 
following categories--
    (1) State-funded preschool programs;
    (2) Early Head Start and Head Start programs;
    (3) Early Learning and Development Programs funded under section 
619 of Part B of IDEA and Part C of IDEA;
    (4) Early Learning and Development Programs funded under Title I of 
ESEA; and
    (5) Early Learning and Development Programs receiving funds from 
the State's CCDF program;
    (b) Implementing effective policies and practices designed to help 
more families afford high-quality child care and maintain the supply of 
high-quality child care in areas with high concentrations of Children 
with High Needs (e.g., maintaining or increasing subsidy reimbursement 
rates, taking actions to ensure affordable co-payments, providing 
incentives to high-quality providers to participate in the subsidy 
program); and
    (c) Setting ambitious yet achievable targets for the numbers and 
percentages of Early Learning and Development Programs that will 
participate in the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System by type 
of Early Learning and Development Program (as listed in (B)(2)(a)(1) 
through (5) above).
    Evidence for (B)(2):
     Any supporting evidence the State believes will be helpful 
to peer reviewers.
    Performance Measures for (B)(2)(c):
    General goals to be provided at time of application, including 
baseline data and annual targets:
     Number and percentage of Early Learning and Development 
Programs participating in the statewide Tiered Quality Rating and 
Improvement System, by type of Early Learning and Development Program.
(B)(3) Rating and Monitoring Early Learning and Development Programs
    The extent to which the State and its Participating State Agencies 
have developed and implemented, or have a High-Quality Plan to develop 
and implement, a system for rating and monitoring the quality of Early 
Learning and Development Programs participating in the Tiered Quality 
Rating and Improvement System by--
    (a) Using a valid and reliable tool for monitoring such programs, 
having trained monitors whose ratings have an acceptable level of 
inter-rater reliability, and monitoring and rating the Early Learning 
and Development Programs with appropriate frequency; and
    (b) Providing quality rating and licensing information to parents 
with children enrolled in Early Learning and Development Programs 
(e.g., displaying quality rating information at the program site) and 
making program quality rating data, information, and licensing history 
(including any health and safety violations) publicly available in 
formats that are written in plain language, and are easy to understand 
and use for decision making by families selecting Early Learning and 
Development Programs and families whose children are enrolled in such 
programs.
    Evidence for (B)(3):
     Any supporting evidence the State believes will be helpful 
to peer reviewers.
    Performance Measures for (B)(3):
     None required.
(B)(4) Promoting Access to High-Quality Early Learning and Development 
Programs for Children With High Needs
    The extent to which the State and its Participating State Agencies 
have developed and implemented, or have a High-Quality Plan to develop 
and implement, a system for improving the quality of the Early Learning 
and Development Programs participating in the Tiered Quality Rating and 
Improvement System by--
    (a) Developing and implementing policies and practices that provide 
support and incentives for Early Learning and Development Programs to 
continuously improve (e.g., through training, technical assistance, 
financial rewards or incentives, higher subsidy reimbursement rates, 
compensation);
    (b) Providing supports to help working families who have Children 
with High Needs access high-quality Early Learning and Development 
Programs that meet those needs (e.g., providing full-day, full-year 
programs; transportation; meals; family support services); and
    (c) Setting ambitious yet achievable targets for increasing--
    (1) The number of Early Learning and Development Programs in the 
top tiers of the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System; and
    (2) The number and percentage of Children with High Needs who are 
enrolled in Early Learning and Development Programs that are in the top 
tiers of the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System.
    Evidence for (B)(4):
     Any supporting evidence the State believes will be helpful 
to peer reviewers.
    Performance Measures for (B)(4)(c):
    General goals to be provided at time of application, including 
baseline data and annual targets:
     Number of Early Learning and Development Programs in the 
top tiers of the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System, by type 
of Early Learning and Development Program.
     Number and Percentage of Children with High Needs who are 
enrolled in Early Learning and Development Programs that are in the top 
tiers of the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System, by type of 
Early Learning and Development Program.
(B)(5) Validating the Effectiveness of State Tiered Quality Rating and 
Improvement Systems
    The extent to which the State has a High-Quality Plan to design and 
implement evaluations--working with an independent evaluator and, when 
warranted, as part of a cross-State evaluation consortium--of the 
relationship between the ratings generated by the State's Tiered 
Quality Rating and Improvement System and the learning outcomes of 
children served by the State's Early Learning and Development Programs 
by--
    (a) Validating, using research-based measures, as described in the 
State Plan (which also describes the criteria that the State used or 
will use to determine those measures), that the tiers in the State's 
Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System accurately reflect 
differential levels of program quality; and
    (b) Assessing, using appropriate research designs and measures of 
progress (as identified in the State Plan), the extent to which changes 
in quality ratings are related to progress in children's learning, 
development, and school readiness.
    Evidence for (B)(5):
     Any supporting evidence the State believes will be helpful 
to peer reviewers.
    Performance Measures for (B)(5):

[[Page 53985]]

     None required.
Focused Investment Areas--Sections (C), (D), and (E)
    Each State must address in its application--
    (1) Two or more of the selection criteria in Focused Investment 
Area (C);
    (2) One or more of the selection criteria in Focused Investment 
Area (D); and
    (3) One or more of the selection criteria in Focused Investment 
Area (E).

C. Promoting Early Learning and Development Outcomes for Children

    The applicant must address at least two of the selection criteria 
within Focused Investment Area (C), which are as follows:
(C)(1) Developing and Using Statewide, High-Quality Early Learning and 
Development Standards
    The extent to which the State has a High-Quality Plan to put in 
place high-quality Early Learning and Development Standards that are 
used statewide by Early Learning and Development Programs and that--
    (a) Includes evidence that the Early Learning and Development 
Standards are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically 
appropriate across each age group of infants, toddlers, and 
preschoolers, and that they cover all Essential Domains of School 
Readiness;
    (b) Includes evidence that the Early Learning and Development 
Standards are aligned with the State's K-3 academic standards in, at a 
minimum, early literacy and mathematics;
    (c) Includes evidence that the Early Learning and Development 
Standards are incorporated in Program Standards, curricula and 
activities, Comprehensive Assessment Systems, the State's Workforce 
Knowledge and Competency Framework, and professional development 
activities; and that they are shared with parents and families along 
with suggestions for appropriate strategies they can use at home to 
support their children's learning and development; and
    (d) Includes evidence that the State has supports in place to 
promote understanding of and commitment to the Early Learning and 
Development Standards across Early Learning and Development Programs.
    Evidence for (C)(1)(a) and (b):
     To the extent the State has implemented Early Learning and 
Development Standards that meet the elements in selection criteria 
(C)(1)(a) and (b), submit--
    [cir] Proof of use by all types of Early Learning and Development 
Programs in the State;
    [cir] The State's Early Learning and Development Standards for:

--Infants and toddlers
--Preschoolers

    [cir] Documentation that the standards are developmentally, 
linguistically, and culturally appropriate for all children, including 
children with disabilities and developmental delays and English 
learners;
    [cir] Documentation that the standards address all Essential 
Domains of School Readiness and that they are of high quality; and
    [cir] Documentation of the alignment between the State's Early 
Learning and Development Standards and the State's K-3 standards.
    Performance Measures for (C)(1):
     None required.
(C)(2) Supporting Effective Uses of Comprehensive Assessment Systems
    The extent to which the State has a High-Quality Plan to support 
the effective implementation of developmentally appropriate 
Comprehensive Assessment Systems by--
    (a) Working with Early Learning and Development Programs to select 
assessment instruments and approaches that are appropriate for the 
target populations and purposes;
    (b) Working with Early Learning and Development Programs to 
strengthen Early Childhood Educators' understanding of the purposes and 
uses of each type of assessment included in the Comprehensive 
Assessment Systems;
    (c) Articulating an approach for aligning and integrating 
assessments and sharing assessment results, as appropriate, in order to 
avoid duplication of assessments and to coordinate services for 
Children with High Needs who are served by multiple Early Learning and 
Development Programs;
    (d) Training Early Childhood Educators to appropriately administer 
assessments and interpret and use assessment data in order to inform 
and improve instruction, programs, and services, and to effectively 
solicit and use family input on children's development and needs; and
    (e) Articulating guidelines and procedures for sharing assessment 
data and results with parents, involving them in decisions about their 
children's care and education, and helping them identify concrete 
actions they can take to address developmental issues identified 
through the assessment process.
    Evidence for (C)(2):
     Any supporting evidence the State believes will be helpful 
to peer reviewers.
    Performance Measures for (C)(2):
     None required.
(C)(3) Identifying and Addressing the Health, Behavioral, and 
Developmental Needs of Children with High Needs To Improve School 
Readiness
    The extent to which the State has a High-Quality Plan to identify 
and address the health, behavioral, and developmental needs of Children 
with High Needs by--
    (a) Establishing a progression of standards for ensuring children's 
health and safety; ensuring that health and behavioral screening and 
follow-up occur; promoting children's physical, social, and emotional 
development across the levels of its Program Standards; and involving 
families as partners and building parents' capacity to promote their 
children's physical, social, and emotional health;
    (b) Increasing the number of Early Childhood Educators who are 
trained and supported on an ongoing basis in meeting the health 
standards;
    (c) Promoting healthy eating habits, improving nutrition, expanding 
physical activity, and providing information and guidance to families 
to promote healthy habits at home;
    (d) Leveraging existing resources to meet ambitious yet achievable 
annual targets to increase the number of Children with High Needs who--
    (1) Are screened using Screening Measures that align with the 
Medicaid Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment benefit 
(see section 1905(r)(5) of the Social Security Act) or the well-baby 
and well-child services available through the Children's Health 
Insurance Program (42 CFR 457.520), and that, as appropriate, are 
consistent with the Child Find provisions in IDEA (see sections 
612(a)(3) and 635(a)(5) of IDEA);
    (2) Are referred for services based on the results of those 
screenings and, where appropriate, received follow-up; and
    (3) Participate in ongoing health care as part of a schedule of 
well-child care, including the number of children who are up to date in 
a schedule of well-child care; and
    (e) Developing a comprehensive approach to increase the capacity 
and improve the overall quality of Early Learning and Development 
Programs to support and address the social and emotional development 
(including infant-early childhood mental health) of children from birth 
to age five.
    Evidence for (C)(3)(a):

[[Page 53986]]

     To the extent the State has established a progression of 
health standards across the levels of Program Standards that meet the 
elements in selection criterion (C)(3)(a), submit--
    [cir] The progression of health standards used in the Program 
Standards and the State's plans for improvement over time, including 
documentation demonstrating that this progression of standards 
appropriately addresses health and safety standards; developmental, 
behavioral, and sensory screening, referral, and follow-up; health 
promotion including healthy eating habits, improved nutrition, and 
increased physical activity; oral health; social and emotional 
development; family involvement and capacity-building; and health 
literacy among parents and children.
    Evidence for (C)(3)(b):
     To the extent the State has existing and projected numbers 
and percentages of Early Childhood Educators who receive training and 
support in meeting the health standards, the State must submit 
documentation of these data. If the State does not have these data, the 
State must outline its plan for deriving them.
    Evidence for (C)(3)(c):
     Any supporting evidence the State believes will be helpful 
to peer reviewers.
    Evidence for (C)(3)(d):
     Documentation of the State's existing and future resources 
that are or will be used to address the health, behavioral, and 
developmental needs of Children with High Needs. At a minimum, 
documentation must address the screening and referral of and follow-up 
for all Children with High Needs, and how families will be engaged in 
the process; how the State will promote the participation of Children 
with High Needs in ongoing health care as part of a schedule of well-
child care; how the State will promote healthy eating habits and 
improved nutrition as well as increased physical activity for Children 
with High Needs; and how the State will promote health literacy for 
children and parents.
    Performance Measures for (C)(3)(d):
    General goals to be provided at time of application, including 
baseline data and annual targets:
     Number of Children with High Needs screened.
     Number of Children with High Needs referred for services 
and who received follow-up/treatment.
     Number of Children with High Needs who participate in 
ongoing health care as part of a schedule of well-child care.
     Of these participating Children with High Needs, the 
number or percentage of children who are up-to-date in receiving 
services as part of a schedule of well-child care.
    Evidence for (C)(3)(e):
     Any supporting evidence the State believes will be helpful 
to peer reviewers.
(C)(4) Engaging and Supporting Families
    The extent to which the State has a High-Quality Plan to provide 
culturally and linguistically appropriate information and support to 
families of Children with High Needs in order to promote school 
readiness for their children by--
    (a) Establishing a progression of culturally and linguistically 
appropriate standards for family engagement across the levels of its 
Program Standards, including activities that enhance the capacity of 
families to support their children's education and development and help 
families build protective factors;
    (b) Increasing the number and percentage of Early Childhood 
Educators trained and supported on an ongoing basis to implement the 
family engagement strategies included in the Program Standards; and
    (c) Promoting family support and engagement statewide, including by 
leveraging other existing resources, such as home visiting programs, 
family resource centers, family support networks, and other family-
serving agencies and organizations, and through outreach to family, 
friend, and neighbor caregivers.
    Evidence for (C)(4)(a):
     To the extent the State has established a progression of 
family engagement standards across the levels of Program Standards that 
meet the elements in selection criterion (C)(4)(a), submit--
    [cir] The progression of culturally and linguistically appropriate 
family engagement standards used in the Program Standards that includes 
strategies successfully used to engage families in supporting their 
children's development and learning. A State's family engagement 
standards must address, but need not be limited to: parent access to 
the program, ongoing two-way communication with families, parent 
education in child development, outreach to fathers and other family 
members, training and support for families as children move to 
preschool and kindergarten, social networks of support, 
intergenerational activities, linkages with community supports and 
adult and family literacy programs, parent involvement in decision 
making, and parent leadership development; and
    [cir] Documentation that this progression of standards includes 
activities that enhance the capacity of families to support their 
children's education and development.
    Evidence for (C)(4)(b):
     To the extent the State has existing and projected numbers 
and percentages of Early Childhood Educators who receive training and 
support on the family engagement strategies included in the Program 
Standards, the State must submit documentation of these data. If the 
State does not have these data, the State must outline its plan for 
deriving them.
    Evidence for (C)(4)(c):
     Documentation of the State's existing resources that are 
or will be used to promote family support and engagement statewide, 
including through home visiting programs and other family-serving 
agencies and the identification of new resources that will be used to 
promote family support and engagement statewide.
Performance Measures for (C)(4)
     None required.

D. A Great Early Childhood Education Workforce

    The applicant must address at least one of the selection criteria 
within Focused Investment Area (D), which are as follows:
(D)(1) Developing a Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework and a 
Progression of Credentials
    The extent to which the State has a High-Quality Plan to--
    (a) Develop a common, statewide Workforce Knowledge and Competency 
Framework designed to promote children's learning and development and 
improve child outcomes;
    (b) Develop a common, statewide progression of credentials and 
degrees aligned with the Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework; 
and
    (c) Engage postsecondary institutions and other professional 
development providers in aligning professional development 
opportunities with the State's Workforce Knowledge and Competency 
Framework.
    Evidence for (D)(1):
     To the extent the State has developed a common, statewide 
Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework that meets the elements in 
selection criterion (D)(1), submit:
    [cir] The Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework;
    [cir] Documentation that the State's Workforce Knowledge and 
Competency

[[Page 53987]]

Framework addresses the elements outlined in the definition of 
Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework in the Final Definitions 
section of this notice and is designed to promote children's learning 
and development and improve outcomes.
Performance Measures for (D)(1)
     None required.
(D)(2) Supporting Early Childhood Educators in Improving Their 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    The extent to which the State has a High-Quality Plan to improve 
the effectiveness and retention of Early Childhood Educators who work 
with Children with High Needs, with the goal of improving child 
outcomes by--
    (a) Providing and expanding access to effective professional 
development opportunities that--
    (1) Are aligned with the State's Workforce Knowledge and Competency 
Framework;
    (2) Tightly link training with professional development approaches, 
such as coaching and mentoring; and
    (3) Are supported by strong evidence (e.g., available evaluations, 
developmental theory, or data or information) as to why these policies 
and incentives will be effective in improving outcomes for Children 
with High Needs;
    (b) Implementing effective policies and incentives (e.g., 
scholarships, compensation and wage supplements, tiered reimbursement 
rates, other financial incentives, management opportunities) to promote 
professional improvement and career advancement along an articulated 
career pathway that--
    (1) Are aligned with the State's Workforce Knowledge and Competency 
Framework;
    (2) Tightly link training with professional development approaches, 
such as coaching and mentoring; and
    (3) Are supported by strong evidence (e.g., available evaluations, 
developmental theory, or data or information) as to why these policies 
and incentives will be effective in improving outcomes for Children 
with High Needs;
    (c) Publicly reporting aggregated data on Early Childhood Educator 
development, advancement, and retention; and
    (d) Setting ambitious yet achievable targets for--
    (1) Increasing the number of postsecondary institutions and 
professional development providers with programs that are aligned to 
the Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework and the number of 
Early Childhood Educators who receive credentials from postsecondary 
institutions and professional development providers with programs that 
are aligned to the Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework; and
    (2) Increasing the number and percentage of Early Childhood 
Educators who are progressing to higher levels of credentials that 
align with the Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework.
    Evidence for (D)(2):
     Evidence to support why the proposed professional 
development opportunities, policies, and incentives will be effective 
in improving outcomes for Children with High Needs (e.g., available 
evaluations, developmental theory, or data or information about the 
population of Children with High Needs in the State).
    Performance Measures for (D)(2)(d):
    General goals to be provided at time of application, including 
baseline data and annual targets:
     (D)(2)(d)(1): Number of postsecondary institutions and 
professional development providers with programs that are aligned to 
the State's Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework, and the 
number of Early Childhood Educators receiving credentials from those 
aligned postsecondary institutions or professional development 
providers.
     (D)(2)(d)(2): Number and percentage of Early Childhood 
Educators who are progressing to higher levels of credentials that 
align with the State's Workforce Knowledge and Competency Framework.

E. Measuring Outcomes and Progress

    The applicant must address at least one of the selection criteria 
within Focused Investment Area (E), which are as follows:
(E)(1) Understanding the Status of Children's Learning and Development 
at Kindergarten Entry
    The extent to which the State has a High-Quality Plan to implement, 
independently or as part of a cross-State consortium, a common, 
statewide Kindergarten Entry Assessment that informs instruction and 
services in the early elementary grades and that--
    (a) Is aligned with the State's Early Learning and Development 
Standards and covers all Essential Domains of School Readiness;
    (b) Is valid, reliable, and appropriate for the target population 
and for the purpose for which it will be used, including for English 
learners and children with disabilities;
    (c) Is administered beginning no later than the start of the school 
year ending during the fourth year of the grant to children entering a 
public school kindergarten; States may propose a phased implementation 
plan that forms the basis for broader statewide implementation;
    (d) Is reported to the Statewide Longitudinal Data System, and to 
the early learning data system, if it is separate from the Statewide 
Longitudinal Data System, as permitted under and consistent with the 
requirements of Federal, State, and local privacy laws; and
    (e) Is funded, in significant part, with Federal or State resources 
other than those available under this grant (e.g., with funds available 
under section 6111 or 6112 of ESEA).
    Evidence for (E)(1):
     Any supporting evidence the State believes will be helpful 
to peer reviewers.
    Performance Measures for (E)(1):
     None required.
(E)(2) Building or Enhancing an Early Learning Data System To Improve 
Instruction, Practices, Services, and Policies
    The extent to which the State has a High-Quality Plan to enhance 
the State's existing Statewide Longitudinal Data System or to build or 
enhance a separate, coordinated, early learning data system that aligns 
and is interoperable with the Statewide Longitudinal Data System, and 
that either data system--
    (a) Has all of the Essential Data Elements;
    (b) Enables uniform data collection and easy entry of the Essential 
Data Elements by Participating State Agencies and Participating 
Programs;
    (c) Facilitates the exchange of data among Participating State 
Agencies by using standard data structures, data formats, and data 
definitions such as Common Education Data Standards to ensure 
interoperability among the various levels and types of data;
    (d) Generates information that is timely, relevant, accessible, and 
easy for Early Learning and Development Programs and Early Childhood 
Educators to use for continuous improvement and decision making and to 
share with parents and other community stakeholders; and
    (e) Meets the Data System Oversight Requirements and complies with 
the requirements of Federal, State, and local privacy laws.
    Evidence for (E)(2):

[[Page 53988]]

     Any supporting evidence the State believes will be helpful 
to peer reviewers.
    Performance Measures for (E)(2):
     None required.
    This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional 
priorities, requirements, definitions, or selection criteria, subject 
to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.

    Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in 
which we choose to use one or more of these priorities, 
requirements, definitions, and selection criteria, we invite 
applications through a notice in the Federal Register.

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

Regulatory Impact Analysis

    Under Executive Order 12866, the Secretaries must determine whether 
this regulatory action is ``significant'' and, therefore, subject to 
the requirements of the Executive order and subject to review by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive Order 
12866 defines a ``significant regulatory action'' as an action likely 
to result in a rule that may--
    (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, 
or adversely affect a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, 
jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or 
tribal governments or communities in a material way (also referred to 
as an ``economically significant'' rule);
    (2) Create serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    (3) Materially alter the budgetary impacts of entitlement grants, 
user fees, or local programs or the rights and obligations of 
recipients thereof; or
    (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles stated in the 
Executive order.
    This final regulatory action will have an annual effect on the 
economy of more than $100 million because the Departments anticipate 
that the grants awarded will exceed that amount. Therefore, this final 
action is ``economically significant'' and subject to review by OMB 
under section 3(f)(1) of Executive Order 12866. Notwithstanding this 
determination, we have assessed the potential costs and benefits, both 
quantitative and qualitative, of this final regulatory action and have 
determined that the benefits justify the costs.
    The Departments have also reviewed this final regulatory action 
under Executive Order 13563, which supplements and explicitly reaffirms 
the principles, structures, and definitions governing regulatory review 
established in Executive Order 12866. To the extent permitted by law, 
Executive Order 13563 requires that an agency--
    (1) Propose or adopt regulations only upon a reasoned determination 
that their benefits justify their costs (recognizing that some benefits 
and costs are difficult to quantify);
    (2) Tailor its regulations to impose the least burden on society, 
consistent with obtaining regulatory objectives and taking into 
account--among other things and to the extent practicable--the costs of 
cumulative regulations;
    (3) In choosing among alternative regulatory approaches, select 
those approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential 
economic, environmental, public health and safety, and other 
advantages; distributive impacts; and equity);
    (4) To the extent feasible, specify performance objectives, rather 
than the behavior or manner of compliance a regulated entity must 
adopt; and
    (5) Identify and assess available alternatives to direct 
regulation, including economic incentives--such as user fees or 
marketable permits--to encourage the desired behavior, or provide 
information that enables the public to make choices.
    Executive Order 13563 also requires an agency ``to use the best 
available techniques to quantify anticipated present and future 
benefits and costs as accurately as possible.'' The Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB has emphasized that these 
techniques may include ``identifying changing future compliance costs 
that might result from technological innovation or anticipated 
behavioral changes.''
    We are issuing these final priorities, requirements, definitions, 
and selection criteria only on a reasoned determination that their 
benefits justify their costs. In choosing among alternative regulatory 
approaches, we selected those approaches that maximize net benefits.
    Based on the analysis that follows, the Departments believe this 
regulatory action is consistent with the principles in Executive Order 
13563.
    We also have determined that this final regulatory action does not 
unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the 
exercise of their governmental functions.
    In this regulatory impact analysis we discuss the need for 
regulatory action, the potential costs and benefits, net budget 
impacts, assumptions, limitations, and data sources, as well as 
regulatory alternatives we considered.

Need for Federal Regulatory Action

    These priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria 
are needed to implement the RTT-ELC award process in the manner that 
the Departments believe will best enable the program to achieve its 
objective--to create the conditions for effective reform in early 
learning systems in States.

Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits

    The Secretaries believe that these final priorities, requirements, 
definitions, and selection criteria do not impose significant costs on 
eligible States. States that applied for a grant under the FY 2011 RTT-
ELC competition reported that they found the application process to be 
useful in organizing their early childhood planning efforts because the 
priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria provided 
them with direction and structure for developing a High-Quality Plan 
for a State Early Learning and Development Program. Several unfunded 
States then used their prepared application as their State's strategic 
early learning plan. In addition, the final priorities, requirements, 
definitions, and selection criteria, in particular those related to 
maintaining conditions of reform required under the FY 2011 RTT-ELC 
competition, require continuation of existing commitments and 
investments rather than the imposition of additional burdens and costs 
for applicant States. The Departments believe, therefore, that those 
States that previously applied but did not receive funding will incur 
minimal costs in developing an application.
    In addition, because the Departments are maintaining the 
priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria of the FY 
2011 competition, States that did not previously apply can draw upon 
the posted applications and reviewer comments from the FY 2011 
competition. These resources will minimize burden for all applicants. 
The Departments believe therefore that the benefits of developing an 
application for this competition outweigh the costs.
    We believe that States will significantly benefit from the 
application process because it will require them to build strong 
relationships between State agencies and early learning non-profit 
organizations and consider how to use Federal, State, and local funding 
streams to best support early learning. A further benefit is that the 
final priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria are 
expected to result in the

[[Page 53989]]

selection of high-quality grantees that are most likely to successfully 
implement RTT-ELC grants in the manner that the Departments believe 
will best enable the program to achieve its objective of creating the 
conditions for effective reform in State early learning systems.
    The final priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection 
criteria clarify the scope of activities the Secretaries expect to 
support with program funds. The pool of eligible applicants is limited 
to State applicants that have not previously received an RTT-ELC grant. 
Potential applicants need to consider carefully the effort that will be 
required to prepare a strong application, their capacity to implement 
projects successfully, and their chances of submitting a successful 
application.
    Program participation is voluntary. The Secretaries believe that 
the costs imposed on applicants by these final priorities, 
requirements, definitions, and selection criteria are limited to 
paperwork burden related to preparing an application and that the 
benefits of implementing these proposals outweigh any costs incurred by 
applicants. The costs of carrying out activities associated with the 
application will be paid for with program funds. Thus, the costs of 
implementation will not be a burden for eligible applicants, including 
small entities.

Regulatory Alternatives Considered

    An alternative to promulgating these priorities, requirements, 
definitions, and selection criteria would be to use FY 2013 Race to the 
Top funds to make awards to the remaining highest-scoring unfunded 
applications from the FY 2011 RTT-ELC competition. However, the 
Departments have determined that funding applications from the FY 2011 
competition would result in funding applications that are likely 
outdated and of only moderate quality, having received fewer than 75 
percent of the total points available in the FY 2011 competition. The 
Departments have determined that $280 million is a sufficient amount to 
hold a high-quality competition and that holding a new competition will 
result in higher-quality applications than those submitted in FY 2011, 
due to progress made in early learning systems during the last two 
years.
    The Departments also could have decided to make significant changes 
to the priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria 
from the FY 2011 competition. However, we have determined that making 
significant changes would be unduly burdensome on applicants who will 
rely on their FY 2011 efforts to prepare an updated application and 
that maintaining substantially the same priorities, requirements, 
definitions, and selection criteria will better enable the Departments 
to conduct an evaluation of the performance of grantees under the RTT-
ELC program overall.

Accounting Statement

    As required by OMB Circular A-4 (available at www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/circulars/a004/a-4.pdf), in the 
following table we have prepared an accounting statement showing the 
classification of the expenditures associated with the provisions of 
this regulatory action. This table provides our best estimate of the 
changes in annual monetized transfers as a result of this regulatory 
action. Expenditures are classified as transfers from the Federal 
Government to States.

      Accounting Statement Classification of Estimated Expenditures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Category                            Transfers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annualized Monetized Transfers.........  $280,000,000.
From Whom To Whom?.....................  From Federal Government to
                                          States.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Waiver of Congressional Review Act: These requirements have been 
determined to be a major rule for purposes of the Congressional Review 
Act (CRA) (5 U.S.C. 801, et seq.). Generally, under the CRA, a major 
rule takes effect 60 days after the date on which the rule is published 
in the Federal Register. Section 808(2) of the CRA, however, provides 
that any rule which an agency for good cause finds (and incorporates 
the finding and a brief statement of reasons therefor in the rule 
issued) that notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, 
unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest, shall take effect at 
such time as the Federal agency promulgating the rule determines.
    These final priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection 
criteria are needed to implement the RTT-ELC program, authorized under 
Sections 14005 and 14006, Division A, of the American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5), as amended by section 1832(b) 
of Division B of Public Law 112-10, the Department of Defense and Full-
Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011, and the Department of 
Education Appropriations Act, 2012, which was signed into law on 
December 23, 2011. The Departments must award funds under this 
authority to qualified applicants by December 31, 2013, or the funds 
will lapse. Even on an expedited timeline, it is impracticable for the 
Departments to adhere to a 60-day delayed effective date for the final 
priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria and make 
grant awards to qualified applicants by the December 31, 2013 deadline. 
When the 60-day delayed effective date is added to the time the 
Departments will need to receive applications (approximately 45 days), 
review the applications (approximately 21 days), and finally approve 
applications (approximately 28 days), the Departments will not be able 
to award funds authorized under the Department of Education 
Appropriations Act, 2012 to applicants by December 31, 2013. The 
Departments have therefore determined that, pursuant to section 808(2) 
of the CRA, the 60-day delay in the effective date generally required 
for congressional review is impracticable, contrary to the public 
interest, and waived for good cause.
    Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. One of the 
objectives of the Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental 
partnership and a strengthened federalism. The Executive order relies 
on processes developed by State and local governments for coordination 
and review of proposed Federal financial assistance.
    This document provides early notification of our specific plans and 
actions for this program.
    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, 
audiotape, or compact disc) on request to the program contact person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this 
document is the document published in the Federal

[[Page 53990]]

Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal 
Register is available via the Federal Digital System at www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well as all other 
documents of these Departments published in the Federal Register, in 
text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF you must have 
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the site.
    You may also access documents of these Departments published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by these Departments.

    Dated: August 26, 2013.
Deborah S. Delisle,
Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. 
Department of Education.
George H. Sheldon,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, U.S. Department 
of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 2013-21138 Filed 8-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P