Definitions

As used in this part 2, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Accountability metrics" means the accountability metrics included in an agreement to measure a council's performance. (2) "Agreement" means the agreement or contract described in section 26.5-2-206 that the department enters into with an early childhood council and that contains a scope of work and accountability metrics. (3) "Community strategic plan" means a comprehensive plan developed pursuant to section 26.5-2-204 to address the early childhood needs in a designated service area. (4) "Council" or "early childhood council" means an early childhood council identified or established locally in communities throughout the state pursuant to section 26.5-2-203 for the purpose of developing and ultimately implementing a comprehensive system of early childhood services to ensure the school readiness of children under six years old in the community. (5) "County department" means the county or district department of human or social services. (6) "Early childhood and family support program" means any program across disciplines that serves children under six years old and their families. (7) "Early childhood education program" means a child care program licensed pursuant to part 3 of article 5 of this title 26.5 that provides child care and education to children under six years old. (8) "Fund" means the early childhood cash fund created in section 26.5-2-209 (1). (9) "Mixed delivery system" has the meaning set forth in section 26.5-4-203. (10) "Performance improvement plan" means a plan developed by the department pursuant to section 26.5-2-208.5 that an early childhood council must implement if the council is not meeting the requirements of the scope of work and accountability metrics contained in the agreement.