§1451 Purpose; Definition of Personnel; Program Authority

Summary

Helps State education agencies improve how they train and support workers who teach and care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children with disabilities. “Personnel” here means special and regular teachers, principals, school leaders, related services staff, paraprofessionals, and early intervention staff. If the money left after reservations is under $100,000,000, the Secretary must award competitive grants to States that follow their approved plans. The Secretary can give priority to States with the biggest staff shortages or that have trouble meeting the requirements of section 1412(a)(14). Grants to States or DC/Puerto Rico must be at least $500,000 and at most $4,000,000; outlying areas must get at least $80,000. The Secretary may raise amounts for inflation and will decide grant sizes by looking at funds available, state population, the activities proposed, alignment with section 1412(a)(14) and State plans (sections 6311 and 6611(d)), and use of research. If the money left is $100,000,000 or more, funds are allotted by formula based on each State’s share under section 1411(d). States that hold unexpired multi-year competitive grants must get at least the yearly amount promised in their award and must use it for those award activities unless the Secretary agrees to a change. Minimum allotments under the formula are the greater of $500,000 or 0.5% of the total for each State/DC/Puerto Rico, and $80,000 for outlying areas. States must use their funds to directly benefit local school districts. The Secretary must also set aside money to continue certain older multi-year awards if a State requests it, and a State getting such a continuation cannot receive any other award that year.