CFDA Number: 84.295
Program Type: Cooperative Agreements, Discretionary/Competitive Grants
Also Known As: Ready-to-Learn TV

This program supports the development of: (1) educational programming for preschool and early elementary school children and their families; (2) educational television programming and ancillary materials to increase school readiness for young children; and (3) accompanying support materials and services that promote the effective use of educational programming.

In FY 2005, this program was divided into programming (# 84.295A) and outreach (# 84.295B) components in order to encourage higher performance in reaching the target audience. Grants have been awarded to develop scientifically based children's television programming on reading, whereby grantees will create and build upon current high quality and innovative children's programs focused on reading.

The Ready-to-Learn Television program is designed to facilitate student academic achievement by supporting the development and distribution of educational video programming for preschool and elementary school children and their parents. At least 60 percent of the funding must be used to:

• Develop educational programming for preschool and elementary school children and the accompanying support materials and services that promote the effective use of such programming;

• Develop programming (and digital content containing Ready-to-Learn-based children's programming) and resources for parents and caregivers that is specifically designed for nationwide distribution over public television stations' digital broadcasting channels and the Internet; and

• Support contracts with public telecommunications and related entities to ensure that programs are widely distributed.

Remaining funds may be used to develop and disseminate education and training materials, including programs that are interactive and adaptable to distance learning technologies, and programs that are designed to promote school readiness and the effective use of educational video programs.