The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood recently awarded 53 grants to expand high-quality prekindergarten programs across the state. All nineteen school systems that applied for the expansion grants received funding for at least one additional pre-k classroom.
According to a press release:
The approximately $26 million in grant awards will provide four-year-old children from low-income families access to full-day prekindergarten in school year 2018-2019.
…
Systems receiving funds are:
Allegany County – $73,440
Baltimore City – $1,175,040
Baltimore County – $660,960
Carroll County – $146,880
Caroline County – $1,332,936
Charles County – $119,880
Dorchester – $844,560
Frederick County – $293,760
Garrett County – $146,880
Harford County – $859,248
Montgomery County – $1,175,040
Prince Georges County – $1,957,176
Queen Anne’s County – $440,640
Somerset County – $220,320
St. Mary’s County – $293,760
Talbot County – $271,728
Washington County – $1,248,480
Wicomico County – $1,674,747
For the past three years these funds have allowed school systems and early childhood programs to increase the length of the day from a half day to a full day, fund highly qualified and certified Early Childhood teachers in each classroom, and serve more vulnerable children who otherwise would not have access to the early education they need for success in school. Maryland’s statewide plan expands high-quality prekindergarten, provides intensive technical assistance, and ensures comprehensive services are accessible in many high-need communities.
These grants have been awarded since 2015 using funds provided to Maryland through the federal Preschool Development Grant – Expansion Grant program and matching state funds made possible through the passage of the Prekindergarten Expansion Act of 2014 (Senate Bill 332).
A total of $88,216,000 will have been provided through this program over the four years of the grant.
Read the full press release for more information.
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