Early Learning Challenge Grants Announced

On May 25^th, the US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services announced the creation of a $500 million Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC).  This state-level grant competition will reward states that take action to:

• Increase the number and percentage of low-income and disadvantaged children in each age group of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are enrolled in high-quality early learning programs;
• Design and implement an integrated system of high-quality early learning programs and services; and
• Ensure that any use of assessments conforms with the recommendations of the National Research Council’s reports on early childhood.

The Obama Administration plans to disperse RTT-ELC funds by the end of the year.  This is a huge victory for the early childhood community.  To read more about the grants at the watch Secretary Arne Duncan’s announcement, click here.