The Arkansas Department of Education is announcing the Request for Proposals of new grants for the William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program. Funds will be awarded through competitive grants based on the demonstration of effectively implementing the program elements, coordination between service providers, meeting the purpose and grant criteria.
According to H.R. 1, Public Law 107-110, No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, reauthorization of the William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Programs [20 U.S.C. 6302], Sections 1231-1242, as Subtitle 3 of Part B of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – the purpose is to help break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and low literacy by improving the educational opportunities of the Nation’s low-income families by integrating early childhood education, adult literacy or basic education, parenting and parent/child literacy activities into a unified family literacy program.
The Even Start Family Literacy Project application must contain the four components of intensive family literacy services:
1. Early Childhood Education
2. Parenting Education
3. Interactive Literacy Activities Between Parents and Children
4. Basic Adult Education/Literacy
Eligible entity submitting an application for grants according to the Federal Even Start Statute as of December 31, 2000, [Section 1232(e)] must be an active partnership composed of BOTH:
· Local educational agency(s) AND
· One or more nonprofit community-based organizations, public agencies other than a local educational agency (LEA), institutions of higher education (including two- and four-year institutions), or a public or private nonprofit organization of demonstrated quality other than an LEA.
Included with this memorandum are the application guidelines, application packet for new funding, reference and resource materials. Faxed copies of the application will not be accepted. The original and four copies of the application must be received in the Arkansas Department of Education on or before August 15, 2002, to: Susan Underwood, State Even Start Coordinator; Arkansas Department of Education; #4 Capitol Mall, Room 402-A; Little Rock, AR 72201.
For questions or additional information, contact Susan Underwood at 501-682-4847 or sunderwood@arkedu.k12.ar.us.