Parental Information and Resource Centers
These centers strive to: (1) assist parents in helping their children to meet State and local standards;
Centers typically use funds to: (1) coordinate with existing programs that support parents in understanding state and local standards and measures of student and school academic achievement; (2) develop resource materials and provide information about high-quality family involvement programs to families, schools, school districts, and others through conferences, workshops, and dissemination of materials; and (3) support a variety of promising models of family involvement programs such as the Parents as Teachers (PAT), the Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), and other early childhood parenting programs.
Projects generally include a focus on serving parents of low-income, minority, and limited English proficient children enrolled in elementary and secondary schools.
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
Program Accomplishments
Approximately 62 awards are expected to be in FY 2008.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Each grantee receiving funds under this program must use at least 50 percent of the funds provided to serve areas with high concentrations of low-income families in order to serve parents that are severely educationally or economically disadvantaged.
At least 30 percent of the funds must also be used to establish, expand, or operate a Parents As Teachers Program or a Home Instruction Program for Preschool youngsters.
Other requirements include the establishment of a special advisory committee and design requirements.
Grantees must serve both urban and rural areas.
For funding in subsequent years, grantees must demonstrate that a portion of the services provided under this project is supported through nonfederal contributions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Nonprofit organizations and nonprofit organizations in consortia with LEAs may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Preschool and school-aged children and their parents will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
Applications must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the notice published in the Federal Register. Contact the program office for more information.
Award Procedures
Applications are reviewed by panels of field readers. Points are awarded according to the selection criteria for discretionary grants contained in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). Applications are ranked based on the number of points awarded and are selected for funding based on their rank order and geographic location in order to satisfy statutory provisions. Grants are distributed, to the greatest extent possible, to all geographic regions of the country.
Deadlines
Contact the program office for application deadlines and information.
Authorization
Elementary and Secondary Education Act; Title V, Part D, Subpart 16.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
The range of approval/disapproval time is approximately 60 through 90 days following the application deadline.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Renewals are based on the review of annual performance reports and the recommendation of the project officer. All renewals are subject to the availability of funds.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Grantees are required to contribute, from nonfederal sources, a portion of the services provided under the project after the first year.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Projects generally may be supported for 1 to 4 years. Funds are granted on a 12-month basis. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Annual progress reports must be submitted as required by grant award terms and conditions.
Audits
In accordance with the Education Department General Administration Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR 74, nonprofit organizations are subject to the audit requirements in OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations." In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program- specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0204-0-1-501.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $39,600,000; FY 08 $38,908,000; and FY 09 est $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
For FY 2008, the range of awards is expected to be $406,294 to $943,386; the average award is expected to be $608,197.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). For more information contact the program office.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
U.S. Department of Education, OII Parental Options and Information 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Rm. 3E209, FB-6 Washington DC 20202. Contact: Steven L. Brockhouse. Telephone: 202-260-2476. E-mail Address: steve.brockhouse@ed.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The selection criteria contained in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations are used to evaluate this program. For more information contact the Program Office.
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