§9406 Program Authorized

Summary

From the money provided under section 9404, the Secretary must give grants to States so the States can fund Local Councils to cover the Federal share of early learning programs where the Local Council works. The Federal share is 85% in years one and two, 80% in years three and four, and 75% in year five and after. The State or local match can be cash or in-kind and must be fairly valued. Use of facilities counts as a match, and donated equipment counts, but the mere use of equipment does not. The Secretary will only give a State a grant if the State and its local governments spend at least as much on early learning this year as they did last year. Grant money must add to, not replace, other public funds. If less than $150,000,000 is available for this chapter in a fiscal year, the Secretary must award grants directly and competitively to Local Councils. In that case, subsection (c), subsections (b) and (c) of section 9409, and paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 9410(a) do not apply. Local Councils must carry out the State duties in section 9410(d) for their area. The Secretary will give technical help and monitor use of the funds and will take on Lead State Agency duties as needed, subject to the exception above.