52-2-711. Resource and referral and day-care improvement grant program. (1) (a) There is a grant program established within the department for the allocation of grant money to local child-care resource and referral programs and for improving the availability of quality child care and school-age day care.

(b) Program funds may include money from the following sources:

(i) funds specifically appropriated by the legislature for use under this section;

(ii) private gifts, grants, and donations;

(iii) federal or foundation grants awarded to the state for the purposes of this section; and

(iv) any other money made available for the purposes of this section.

(2) (a) The department may award grants to private, nonprofit organizations and public organizations that demonstrate the ability to provide child-care resource and referral services.

(b) To be eligible for a grant from the department as a resource and referral agency for a local area, an organization:

(i) shall maintain a database of child-care services in the community, including day-care facilities and preschools, which the organization continually updates;

(ii) shall include on the staff of the organization at least one individual who has expertise in child development;

(iii) must have the capability to provide resource and referral services in the local area;

(iv) must be able to respond to requests for information or assistance in a timely fashion;

(v) must be committed to providing services to all segments of the general public;

(vi) must be able to provide parents with a checklist to identify quality child-care services;

(vii) must be able to provide information on the availability of child-care subsidies;

(viii) shall maintain and make available to the public the number of all referrals made by the resource and referral agency; and

(ix) shall otherwise satisfy regulations promulgated by the department pursuant to this part.

(3) (a) The department may award grants for improving the availability of quality child care and school-age day care and for consumer education.

(b) The following grant applications must be given priority:

(i) grant applications for professional training for day-care or school-age care providers;

(ii) grant applications for the startup of school-age care programs or facilities when a community need has been demonstrated;

(iii) grant applications for consumer education; and

(iv) grant applications for preservation or expansion of existing care programs that fill a demonstrated need.

(4) The department shall adopt rules to administer the provisions of this section.