Post on 23-Jan-2016
description
Just a few reminders ……
Agenda General Guidelines
Types of AwardsEnrollment Calculation ToolTips
Application DocumentFamily Homes & Group HomesFilling out the application
Good to KnowTimelineReceiptsContinuing Support
Please Remember Grants have their foundation in, and are
regulated by, State and Federal regulations and statutes
Will this grant meet the Audit Test
- Federal -State - Independent
- 60 Minutes or the NEWS The Key is here to help ensure that we
collectively meet the audit test Grant funds are contingent upon availability
of State funds and are not “entitlements”
Types of Awards Start with STARS
Center & Group HomesFamily Child Care Homes
SupportSTAR 1 onlyOne in a fiscal year and only 2 maximum
Merit/ERA (MERA)STAR 2 or higherSTAR 2 Merit once a year for up to 3 years
– extended for 2 years with CQISTAR 2 ERA beyond 5 years
When does the Grant Process Really Start? It begins no later than at the Pre
Designation Visit Obtain an application from your STARS
Manager at the end of your meeting Submit the application within 10 days of
your designation date Understand the Enrollment Calculation
Tool
Why Do We Use The ECT• Helps us all to know the number of children
impacted by STARS! This is very important…..very
impactful!• Assists providers in making budget
projections, creating staff schedules, and maintaining enrollment.
• For providers eligible for STARS Financial Awards, this tool is used to determine the size of the provider’s Award.
What Period Do We Use Timeframes for calculating FTE align with the Early Learning
Network (ELN) data points
Contact your STARS Manager for help with completing the forms
The application cannot be processed without 2 ECTs
Designation Date
Week of October 15
Week of February 15
Week of May 15
Oct 16 – Feb 15 X X
Feb 16 – May 15 X X
May 16 – Oct 15 X X
Application Tips
Legible – printed in black ink or typed Additional pages are acceptable with
titles and page/paragraph references Name of Provider, MPI Number, County
on the top of each page Submit the original – retain a copy in
your 2011-2012 grant file records
Tips May only be used for child care related
expenditures SWS grant is only available 1 time May remain SWS for a maximum of 1
year Cannot use funds to supplant other
funding Use funds for quality improvement
above and beyond basic operations to meet DPW Certification Regulations
Application Document Checklist items correspond to items
found in DPW regulations, CFOC National Health & Safety Standards, & ERS
Family Child Care Homes Centers & Group Homes
Indoor Health & Safety General Areas
Outdoor Safety Hallways/Stairs/Doors
Toys & Equipment Toileting
Other Expenses Toys & Equipment
Gross Motor
Business Practices
Other Expenses
Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) Use ERS on-line scales to guide
selection of appropriate materials Obtain the recommended items before
purchasing supplementary materials Learning vendor websites can help to
develop appropriate & rich learning environments for children
Place a check in the Strength or Need to Address column
Use comment column for noting changes needed for the facility
Identify items to be purchased in the Grant Request column
Place a check in the appropriate age group column
Identify unit cost, quantity, and total cost Transfer totals to page 8 Sign the Attestation
Application Document - continued
Price Quotes Multiple quotes for items $3000 or more
Identical merchandise/purchases/services State provider will any pay difference
between quote and amount requested
Check for ASTM approval Consider longevity of the item
PD and Technology Access DPW funded PD, voucher program,
or STARS TA before utilizing grant funds Consider technology and internet needs All facilities should have a functional
computer with internet access & printing capabilities
Child care management software A location email is required for all providers
Grant Processing Time
Maximum 60 days between date of grant receipt and check issued, HOWEVER• Completeness of application affects the 60
days• Designation date may affect start date
Continual contact will be made with the site No lapses across a 2 week timeframe Contact your STARS Manager
Spending Timeline All expenditures must be completed within
90 days of the check date or by June, 30, 2012 – whichever comes first
Agreement will specify Expense Report due date
Extensions are only given for items that cannot be purchased within the 90 day timeframe (i.e. some PD events or insurance premiums) – not guaranteed
Extensions are not given to extend the time for purchasing standard items or to complete the expense report
Receipts• Receipts required for all expenditures
excluding payroll, benefits, & ERAs• Copies of receipts – not originals• Providers will summarize all
purchases/expenses on the Receipts Summary Form
• Instructions will be provided with the grant agreement
• Additional training and access to tutorials will be provided
Continuing Support
Webinars PA Key NE Key 610-437-6000
STARS ManagerSpecialists – aligned by county
○ Kathy○ Sue○ Cristin
Assistant Director Grants – Rick Parker