Congratulate Governor Pat McCrory for doing the right thing to expand early education programs in North Carolina. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced today that 35 states and Puerto Rico have applied for grants under the new $250 million Preschool Development Grants program. North Carolina was one of these 35 states. Approximately 12-15 states will benefit from Preschool Development Grants funding by significantly expanding their preschool programs so that a large portion of their at risk 4-year-olds start school prepared. States will agree to uphold standards for high-quality preschool programs in the communities that are funded. The goal of Preschool Development Grants is to support states—including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico—in building, developing and expanding voluntary, high-quality preschool programs in high-need communities for children from low- and moderate-income families. The grant program—jointly administered by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services--will lay the groundwork to ensure that more states are ready to participate in the Preschool for All initiative proposed by the Obama Administration. “Expanding access to high-quality preschool is the single most important step we can take to improve the future of our children,” said Secretary Duncan. “The states applying for the Preschool Development Grants are demonstrating their commitment to partner with the federal government in providing educational opportunities that can help close the equity gaps that exist in our country and prepare our young children—especially those with high needs—for success in kindergarten, through elementary school and beyond. Im thrilled to see so many Governors doing the right thing to help the children and families in their states.” Extend your thanks to Gov. McCrory for submitting North Carolinas application. Lets hope North Carolinas children and families are winners in this federal Preschool Development Grant initiative. And that we keep looking for ways to expand this important early education program!
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:10:25 +0000
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