CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) seeks public comment on proposed Chapter 46 rules concerning the process to award Early Childhood Community Collaboration Grants to early childhood providers.
As a result of the passage of House Enrolled Act 51 in 2019, WDE is required to work collaboratively with the Governor’s Early Childhood State Advisory Council to oversee funds directed to early childhood learning opportunities. This work includes establishing rules and implementing and evaluating grants to eligible school districts or other nonprofit service providers to facilitate community early childhood collaboratives that promote high standards for early learning, while maximizing the use of resources.
Each grant award is worth $50,000 and requires a 1:4 match; $1 of appropriated funds to $4 of matching funds. Matching funds may include: local tax dollars, federal dollars, parent tuition, philanthropic contributions and in-kind donations of facilities, equipment and services required as part of the program such as food services and health screenings.
The public comment period on the proposed rule revisions will be open from August 19 through October 6, 2019. Comments can be submitted online or mailed to:
Wyoming Department of Education
Attn: Thom Jones
122 West 25th Street, Suite E200
Cheyenne, WY 82002
All public comments will be recorded verbatim, including the submitter’s name and city of residence, on the Secretary of State website as part of the rules promulgation process.
Due to the short timeframe to award these grant funds, the WDE is currently working under emergency rules to expedite the process. Interested early childhood programs are encouraged to apply now for this grant; however, all public comment on Chapter 46 rules will be considered before the grants are awarded.
The application is available on the WDE’s website. Grant applications are due October 1, 2019, and successful applicants will be notified by November 1, 2019.
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Media Contact:
Michelle Panos, Communications Director
michelle.panos1@wyo.gov
307-777-2053
