Early Learning Challenge Grant – $10 billion over 10 years

The Obama Administration's Early Learning Challenge Grant proposal would
challenge states to develop effective, innovative models that promote
high standards of quality and a focus on outcomes across early learning
settings, and dedicate $10 billion over ten years toward this effort.

Liza Krigman, NationalJournal.com asks some good questions in her recent blog posting:

In order to win funds under the program, states must create a
standards-based, outcome-driven system. Is it appropriate to use
data-driven standards to assess such small children's readiness for
school? How will the federal government ensure that this new program
works in concert with other early education initiatives, such as Head
Start and Early Head Start? How can early education programs be
coordinated with the goals of Race to the Top and No Child Left Behind?

What do you think?