State requirements

To be eligible for a grant under this chapter, a State shall— In awarding grants to Local Councils under this chapter, the State, to the maximum extent possible, shall ensure that a broad variety of early learning programs that provide a continuity of services across the age spectrum assisted under this chapter are funded under this chapter, and shall give preference to supporting— In awarding grants under this chapter, Local Councils shall give preference to supporting— Based on information and data received from Local Councils, and information and data available through State resources, the State shall biennially assess the needs and available resources related to the provision of early learning programs within the State. Based on the analysis of information described in paragraph (1), the State shall establish measurable performance goals to be achieved through activities assisted under this chapter. The State shall award grants to Local Councils only for purposes that are consistent with the performance goals established under paragraph (2). The State shall report to the Secretary annually regarding the State’s progress toward achieving the performance goals established in paragraph (2) and any necessary modifications to those goals, including the rationale for the modifications. If the Secretary determines, based on the State report submitted under paragraph (4), that the State is not making progress toward achieving the performance goals described in paragraph (2), then the State shall submit a performance improvement plan to the Secretary, and demonstrate reasonable progress in implementing such plan, in order to remain eligible for funding under this chapter.