Montana receives $10 million for preschool

The United States Department of Education awarded Montana $10 million under the Preschool Development Grant Program, the department announced Wednesday morning.

Montana qualified for the grant because it does not have a public preschool program.

Early Edge Montana http://earlyedge.mt.gov/

Montana was one of 18 states to receive grants totaling over $226 million.

ALEXANDER DEEDY Independent Record

Full Story: http://helenair.com/news/local/montana-receives-million-for-preschool/article_4f57745b-9823-5859-bfee-cfec74242eea.html

Obama announcing $1B for early childhood education

President Barack Obama is following up on his promise to expand early education opportunities for tens of thousands of children by announcing a $1 billion public-private investment in programs for the nation’s youngest learners.

The president is joining a daylong summit convening at the White House on Wednesday to announce the investment in early learning programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers — especially those in lower-income communities. Nationwide, 28 percent of America’s 4-year-olds were enrolled in a state-funded preschool program last year.

"We’re not close to where we need to be," said Education Secretary Arne Duncan during a morning panel session on how to pump more investment into early learning.

On top of the federal money is another $330 million from dozens of corporations, foundations and individuals. It’s part of a new campaign called Invest in US.

By JENNIFER C. KERR

Full Story: http://helenair.com/business/obama-announcing-b-for-early-childhood-education/article_21d852bb-dcd7-520a-b645-12aad1e2294f.html