For the coordinated family and community engagement grant program, which shall establish a statewide network of supports for early education; provided, that the department of early education and care shall distribute grants not later than August 31, 2026 in order to allow a full year of service for families involved in these programs; provided further, that the department shall, to the maximum extent feasible, coordinate services provided through this item with services provided through item
3000-7000 in order to ensure that parents receiving services through this item are aware of all opportunities available to them and their children through the department; provided further, that eligible recipients for such grants shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the Massachusetts Family Networks program; (ii) municipal school districts; (iii) regional school districts; (iv) educational collaboratives; (v) the parent--child plus program; (vi) head start programs; (vii) other school readiness and family support programs; (viii) licensed child care providers; and (ix) child care resource and referral centers; provided further, that supports funded through this item shall be in alignment with the quality requirements of the Massachusetts universal pre--kindergarten program and the Massachusetts Quality Rating and Improvement System; provided further, that the department shall take steps to streamline activities and programs funded through this item; provided further, that the department may expend funds from this item on grants for supplemental services for children with individualized education plans; provided further, that not more than $160,000 shall be expended for technical assistance; and provided further, that funds may be expended for programs or activities during the summer months
