Preschool development is an important milestone for children and it is also crucial for improving their life opportunities. Participation in early education and care is a cost-effective way to boost shared prosperity, create more equal opportunity, and address equity challenges. Investing in pre-school education is especially critical for marginalized children. It promotes cognitive development, emotional development, and social connections.

 

As part of the federal government's efforts to improve early childhood care and education systems, the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) has been awarded to states in both 2015 and 2016. The grant was co-administered by the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. Using funds from the Preschool Development Grant, states can enhance and expand their existing mix of child care programs. During the funding period, states will work with a team of stakeholders to develop an early learning system.

 

Unlike previous PDG programs, the Preschool Development Birth through Five program is a new initiative that was developed under the Every Student Succeeds Act. This $275 million competitive grant is designed to enhance and improve the systems of support for families with young children. Designed to enhance both the quality of early learning and the child care system, the award will fund 35 states and territories to strengthen the systems for ensuring that all young children are healthy and ready for school.

 

The Preschool Development Grant focuses on improving the systems of support for families experiencing inequities. This includes identifying and eliminating barriers to accessing early education and care. Enhanced collaboration among state and local agencies and communities will be fostered through this program. These preschool development activities will also improve community capacity, increase equity, and build local infrastructure.

 

During the grant period, the Preschool Development Birth through Five program will focus on optimal cognitive and social emotional development, and supporting families. Throughout the five years of the grant, the Maryland State Department of Education will work with diverse stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for their state's early childhood system.

 

This five-year strategic plan focuses on providing all children from prenatal to age eight with access to high-quality early learning. It includes input from the diverse stakeholders and includes a comprehensive statewide needs assessment. Ultimately, this project supports Maryland Ready: A Path to School Readiness and Success.

 

A major component of this five-year initiative is the expansion of the current mixed delivery system for children birth to five. This program is supported by a range of services, including home visiting service providers, early childhood education centers, and family childcare centers. To get the facts on the programs available, contact the Office of Child Care at OCCC.

 

This is an exciting time to improve the early learning and care system. In order to do so, the Preschool Development Birth through Five Renewal Grant will provide continued strategic planning and funding for states and local partners. Through these efforts, the early childhood system will continue to improve.

 

To apply for the Preschool Development Grant B-5, the state must fill out a form. You can find the application here. Applicants are encouraged to participate in the evaluation process to learn about their experiences with the Preschool Development Grant. Using data and feedback, the evaluation will develop recommendations to improve the program. Find out more details in relation to this topic here: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preschool.