Comment on FR Doc # 2012-14954

See attached file(s) July 20, 2012 Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Phase 2 Awards Docket ID ED-2012-OESE-0012 Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft requirements for Phase 2 of the Early Learning Challenge. As a group committed to promoting quality cross-sector state early childhood systems, the Early Learning Challenge Collaborative applauds the Department’s ongoing support of this essential work. We believe the thoughtful, ambitious state plans this competition will support will help develop and expand the key systems elements that are essential for effective, efficient programs that deliver better outcomes for children, families, and communities. We support the Department’s overall approach to Phase 2 and have limited our comments to three issues we believe would benefit from further clarification. These three areas are discussed further in the attached comments. They relate to: • Reallocation if Any Funds Are Not Awarded; • Maintained Commitment to Early Learning; and • Flexibility to Refine Project Activities. Thank you for considering our comments. We look forward to continued partnership in support of the goals of the Early Learning Challenge. Sincerely, Susan Hibbard Deputy Director The BUILD Initiative K. Shiek Pal, Esq. Director of Policy & Government Relations First Five Years Fund