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Governor Baker grants $6.3 million for high quality pre-kindergarten programs

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Gov. Charlie Baker last week announced $6.3 million in grant awards to support high quality preschool environments for children through the state’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten program.

The Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) grant supports early education and care programs in building capacity to provide high-quality preschool environments that promote young children’s school readiness and positive outcomes.

“With these grants, we are pleased to help over 500 Pre-Kindergarten childcare centers and public schools sustain a high level of quality across the commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to provide their programs with this support leading to better outcomes for children.”

The UPK grant funds will support Pre-Kindergarten classroom enhancements such as purchasing new curriculum and materials, hiring additional staff to reduce class size, using formative assessment to individualize instruction and providing comprehensive services to meet a range of children’s needs including transition to Kindergarten. The UPK grant funds also will support better compensation for educators and increased professional development opportunities.

“Providing access to high-quality preschool provides children with a solid foundation for learning and success, helps to strengthen our communities and supports our state’s collective future prosperity,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Tom Weber. “These grants advance our progress in making high-quality early education accessible to all families in the Commonwealth.”

The Department of Early Education and Care awarded 117 grants that will support nearly 8,000 children in over 500 Pre-Kindergarten classrooms across the state. Award amounts ranged from approximately $10,000 to $20,000 per classroom and will benefit children and educators in family child care, group child care, Head Start and public school settings.