This is the third of four 2020 quarterly status updates about the Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) initiative. Learn about next steps for EHS-CCP Round 4 applicants and what all grantees should know about changes to DRS.
Round 4 applications were submitted in most states. The deadline for EHS Expansion and EHS-CCP applications was September 21. Due to federal disaster declarations, the deadline was extended to October 5, 2020 in six states: Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oregon. This round of EHS-CCP is expected to be the most competitive yet, and applications will likely be reviewed in the next couple of months.
Grant award negotiations expected in early 2021. If EHS-CCP Round 4 follows the timeline of past EHS-CCP grant competitions, applicants can expect to hear from the Office of Head Start (OHS) in January/February 2021. The project start date is March 4, 2021. There is plenty of time to take a breath from the application period, and then revisit your proposal in the new year to prepare for negotiations.
Start-up begins prior to project start date. When you revisit your proposal, we recommend a specific focus on start-up needs. This could be an important part of your negotiations. As specified in the EHS-CCP Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), “if awarded, start-up/pre-award costs would apply to costs incurred up to 90 days prior to the award start date.” Assuming the project start date is unchanged (March 4, 2021), this would be early December 2020. Keep in mind, however, that the start-up request must first be approved.
Changes to DRS may impact EHS-CCP grantees. OHS recently announced substantial changes to DRS. These changes reflect updates to the thresholds for competition. As EHS-CCP grantees approach their fifth year, these changes will be important considerations. If your EHS-CCP program is in the upcoming round of DRS, we invite you to follow our DRS Updates blog for up-to-date information.
If your program needs assistance determining start-up needs or is considering leveraging the services of a start up planner please be in touch. Foundations for Families team members have successfully supported EHS Expansion and EHS-CCP grantees through the start-up period to successfully implement their new grant. We would be glad to discuss your program’s needs and how we can help.
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