Massachusetts is one of nine states awarded grants from the federal Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge (ELC), the Obama administration announced today. Thirty-five states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico applied for this $500 million competitive grant program that will be jointly administered by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. Massachusetts is eligible for $50 million over four years to develop new approaches to raising the bar across early learning programs anclosing the school readiness gap. Other states that won awards are: California, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington. The U.S. Department of Education will announce final grant amounts to winning states in the coming days.
Massachusetts’ successful application affirms the vision that was embedded in the creation of the first in the nation Department of Early Education and Care in 2005. Through the process of applying for the grant, Massachusetts developed a plan that promises to accelerate the creation of a statewide system of high-quality early education and care starting at birth. Implementing that plan will bring the commonwealth closer to ensuring high-quality early education and care for all young children in Massachusetts.
This award is a testament to the leadership of Department of Early Education and Care Commissioner Sherri Killins, Education Secretary Paul Reville, Governor Deval Patrick, our state legislators, our congressional delegation, advocates and educators across the state. We must continue to work together to ensure strategic investments at the federal, state and local level are aligned and prioritized to eliminate the achievement gap and ensure that every child enters school ready to succeed.
For more information:
Patrick-Murray Administration announces Massachusetts awarded federal grant in President’s Early Learning Challenge Competition
We Can’t Wait: Nine States Awarded Race To The Top-Early Learning Challenge Grants- White House Press Release, December 16, 2011
MA Submits Early Learning Challenge Application
Massachusetts Early Learning Challenge Application
Early Learning Challenge applications from each of 36 states
And please join us for our December conference call on Tuesday December 20, 2011 from 1:30-2 p.m. Click here to register: http://sfceea.convio.net/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=100361
Eye on Early Education focuses on the twin goals of ensuring that Massachusetts children have access to high-quality early education and become proficient readers by the end of third grade.
