Superintendent Juneau, Governor Bullock Announce $10 Million Preschool Grant

Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau and Governor Steve Bullock today announced Montana has received its third year of funding to support preschool programs in high-needs communities.

To date, Montana has received $30 million of a $40 million four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education and Health and Human Services to develop high-quality preschool programs for low-to-moderate-income families. In addition to providing free high-quality preschool program to children, the grant also supports educators returning to school to earn early childhood education endorsements.

"Last year, families in 16 high-needs communities were able to access free public preschool, this year it has expanded to supporting families in 34 communities," Superintendent Juneau said. "We know that when children attend high-quality preschool programs they’re more likely to graduate and succeed as adults, which is why it’s critical all Montana families can access public preschool."

"Montana’s investments in our high-needs preschool programs are already proving their value and helping our youngest learners to succeed early," said Governor Steve Bullock. "It’s time now to make this same investment in communities across Montana so each of our children has access to the educational opportunities that they deserve."

Full Story: http://lists.opi.mt.gov/display.php?M=64747&C=51bafea284f9b7e32067930f28d1d0de&S=3063&L=132&N=2897