1. (A) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the First Steps to School Readiness initiative be implemented as soon as county partnerships are ready to utilize the funds efficiently and effectively to improve services.

2. (B) Two levels of First Steps grants may be awarded as follows:

   1. (1) Level One for the development of the collaborative effort, needs assessment, and strategic planning; and

   2. (2) Level Two for implementation/management of activities and programs.

      The level of grant awarded to a county partnership must be based on the readiness of the county partnership to implement the First Steps initiative. The First Steps Board shall establish the criteria for qualifying for each grant level. The allocations for the grants shall take into consideration the quality of the grant proposal.

3. (C) Implementation/management grants must be funded annually by the First Steps to School Readiness Board and may be awarded for up to three years. Implementation grants are renewable based upon criteria established by the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Board of Trustees, including the results of performance audits.

HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 99, Section 2.