PUBLIC LAW 101-508—NOV. 5, 1990 104 STAT. 1388-237 application submitted to the Secretary under section 658E, an appropriate State agency that complies with the requirements of subjection (b) to act as the lead agency. "(b) DUTIES. — "(1) IN GENERAL.—The lead agency shall— "(A) administer, directly or through other State agencies, the financial assistance received under this subchapter by the State; "(B) develop the State plan to be submitted to the Secretary under section 658E(a); "(C) in conjunction with the development of the State plan as required under subparagraph (B), hold at least one hearing in the State to provide to the public an opportunity to comment on the provision of child care services under the State plan; and "(D) coordinate the provision of services under this subchapter with other Federal, State and local child care and early childhood development programs. "(2) DEVELOPMENT OF PLAN.— In the development of the State plan described in paragraph (1)(B), the lead agency shall consult with appropriate representatives of units of general purpose local government. Such consultations may include consideration of local child care needs and resources, the effectiveness of existing child care and early childhood development services, and the methods by which funds made available under this subchapter can be used to effectively address local shortages. "SEC. 658E. APPLICATION AND PLAN. 42 USC 9858c. "(a) APPLICATION. —To be eligible to receive assistance under this subchapter, a State shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary shall by rule require, including— "(1) an assurance that the State will comply with the requirements of this subchapter; and "(2) a State plan that meets the requirements of subsection (0. "(b) PERIOD COVERED BY PLAN. —The State plan contained in the application under subsection (a) shall be designed to be implemented— "(1) during a 3-year period for the initial State plan; and "(2) during a 2-year period for subsequent State plans. " (c) REQUIREMENTS OF A PLAN.— "(1) LEAD AGENCY. —The State plan shall identify the lead agency designated under section 658D. "(2) PouciES AND PROCEDURES. —The State plan shall: "(A) PARENTAL CHOICE OF PROVIDERS. —Provide assurances that— "(i) the parent or parents of each eligible child within the State who receives or is offered child care services for which financial assistance is provided under this subchapter, other than through assistance provided under paragraph (3)(C), are given the option either— ' (I) to enroll such child with a child care provider that has a grant or contract for the provision of such services; or "(II) to receive a child care certificate as defined in section 658P(2);
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