1. Early childhood education programs serving low-income or otherwise disadvantaged children as documented in Appendix 5, that have a demonstrated record of providing comprehensive literacy instruction for the age group the program proposes to serve, as demonstrated by holding a Silver or Gold Step Up to Quality rating on or before June 30, 2025; or
2. An early childhood education program, acting in partnership with one or more public or private nonprofit organizations or agencies (which may include early childhood education programs) that have a demonstrated record of effectiveness in:
- Improving literacy achievement of children, consistent with the purposes of participation under the Comprehensive Literacy State Development program, from birth through grade 12.
- Providing professional development in comprehensive literacy instruction.
“The purpose of this Birth-Kindergarten Entry Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant is to award subgrants to eligible entities to advance emergent and early literacy achievement of children in the Birth to Kindergarten Entry age-band.”
Eligible entities serving children from Birth-Kindergarten Entry may work individually or collaborate with other eligible entities to propose a plan to:
- Provide professional learning to support implementation of high-quality instructional materials.
- Improve processes for providing screening, assessment, and supports based on the group and individual needs of children served.
- Develop leadership to support a program-wide commitment to emergent literacy through teacher collaboration, high-expectations for all learners, and schedules and materials that support quality instruction.
- Participate in professional learning to enhance family engagement.
- Collaborate with a community partner to support emergent literacy and kindergarten readiness.”
