Section 70.40  Criteria for Review and Approval of Planning Proposals

a)         Planning grant proposals shall be reviewed and ranked according to the following criteria.

1)         The applicant demonstrates that the area proposed to be served has unmet needs that could be effectively addressed by the Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Assistance Grant program.  (40 points)

2)         The planning activities proposed respond to the needs identified and are directed at implementing a program that will enable individuals to successfully complete requirements necessary for obtaining a professional educator license endorsed for early childhood education.  (40 points)

3)         The activities proposed are cost-effective, as evidenced by the scope of the planning work to be conducted and the potential number of individuals proposed to be enrolled in the program.  (20 points)

b)         The State Superintendent of Education shall determine the amount of individual grant awards.  The final award amounts shall be based upon:

1)         the total amount of funds available for the Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Assistance Grant; and

2)         the resources requested in the top-ranked proposals, as identified pursuant to subsection (a).

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2202, effective January 13, 2016)