52-2-1003. Eligible uses of Montana early childhood account. (1) The Montana early childhood account board established in 52-2-1001 shall use the money in the Montana early childhood account provided for in 52-2-1002 to fund services and activities under the eligibility criteria below approved by the Montana early childhood account board established in 52-2-1001.

(2) Eligible purposes for which the board may authorize include:

(a) early care and education provider support and workforce development, including:

(i) technical assistance grants that offer funding to start or expand child-care businesses, community-level partnerships, and program access strategies;

(ii) grants to support early childhood postsecondary education, certifications, apprenticeship, training, and continuing education to grow the workforce of early childhood professionals; and

(iii) recruitment and retention grants to provide workforce benefits, stipends, or supplements to retain qualified workers;

(b) quality improvement initiatives, including accreditation support, curriculum development, safety upgrades, and supports for infants, toddlers, and children with special needs;

(c) affordability initiatives, including expansion of licensed before-school and after-school care, the state child care subsidy program, and temporary child care assistance programs for families facing sudden financial hardship;

(d) innovation initiatives, including community child-care expansion programs and early learning and early childhood intervention access programs; and

(e) emergency assistance and disaster relief programs for impacted child-care facilities.

(3) In administering funding from the early childhood account, the board shall:

(a) determine funding priorities for services and activities using the department of public health and human services' early childhood system strategic plan and comprehensive fiscal analysis;

(b) establish further criteria for the receipt of program funds;

(c) monitor the expenditure of funds by organizations receiving funds under this section; and

(d) evaluate the efficacy of services and activities funded under this section.

(4) By September 1 of each year, the department shall report to the education interim committee and the children, families, health, and human services interim committee in accordance with 5-11-210 on the services and activities funded under this section.