BALTIMORE–<\/strong> The Maryland State Department of Education\u2019s Division of Early Childhood has awarded 50 grants aimed at serving four-year-olds in high-quality prekindergarten classrooms in Maryland.<\/p>\n In total, 19 school systems have been funded for one or more additional PreK classrooms. In addition, 31 community-based, Head Start and other programs in 12 jurisdictions have been funded. Approximately $26.6 million in grant awards will provide four-year-old children from low-income families access to full-day prekindergarten during school year 2019-2020.<\/p>\n \u201cEarly learning programs provide a strong educational foundation for our state\u2019s youngest learners,” said Governor Hogan. “These grants are a much-needed investment in Maryland\u2019s future generation and will allow for increased access to these programs for youth across the state.\u201d<\/p>\n These funds allow school systems and early childhood programs to increase the length of the school-day from a half-day to a full-day, fund highly qualified and certified Early Childhood teachers in each classroom, and serve more vulnerable children who otherwise would not have access to the early education they need for success in school. Maryland\u2019s statewide plan expands high-quality prekindergarten, provides intensive technical assistance, and ensures comprehensive services are accessible in many high-need communities.<\/p>\n \u201cProviding quality early learning opportunities for students will establish a strong foundation to help accelerate learning,\u201d said Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools.\u00a0 \u201cStrong early education programs help our children refine the skills they need to be successful both in and out of the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n Funds for these grants were made possible by HB 1415 \u2013 Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, <\/em>passed by the Maryland Legislature and signed into law by the Governor in 2018.<\/p>\n Allegany County – $130,000<\/p>\n Baltimore City – $1,055,000<\/p>\n Baltimore County – $1,000,000<\/p>\n Caroline County – $1,470,000<\/p>\n Carroll County – $468,855<\/p>\n Charles County – $100,000<\/p>\n Dorchester – $1,405,000<\/p>\n Frederick County – $575,000<\/p>\n Garrett County – $125,000<\/p>\n Harford County – $1,800,000<\/p>\n Howard County – $660,000<\/p>\n Montgomery County – $1,580,000<\/p>\n Prince Georges County – $3,110,000<\/p>\n Queen Anne’s County – $500,000<\/p>\n Somerset County – $200,000<\/p>\n St. Mary’s County – $300,000<\/p>\n Talbot County – $850,000<\/p>\n Washington County – $1,675,000<\/p>\n Wicomico County – $2,000,000<\/p>\n Community-based, Head Start, and other Programs receiving funds are:<\/p>\n A World of Friends School – $300,000<\/p>\n Academy Child Development Centers – $700,000<\/p>\n Alef Bet Montessori – $100,000<\/p>\n Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School – $185,000<\/p>\n Berlin Education Station – $200,000<\/p>\n Catholic Charities Head Start of Carroll County- $195,000<\/p>\n Centronia – $600,000<\/p>\n Children\u2019s Center of Walkersville – $94,844<\/p>\n Community Action Council of Howard County Head Start – $1,060,000<\/p>\n Crossway Community Montessori – $100,000<\/p>\n God\u2019s Little Angels Learning Center – $150,000<\/p>\n Head Start of Washington County – $100,000<\/p>\n Hearing and Speech Agency (HASA) – $100,000<\/p>\n Kennedy Krieger Center for Autism and Related Disorders – $150,000<\/p>\n Kids Campus Early Learning Center – $80,000<\/p>\n Largo Park Early Childhood Center – $200,000<\/p>\n Little Flowers Early Childhood and Development Center – $200,000<\/p>\n New Beginnings Christian Learning Center – $200,000<\/p>\n Optimal Learning School – $200,000<\/p>\n PACT: Helping Children with Special Needs – $120,000<\/p>\n Peppertree Children\u2019s Center – $150,000<\/p>\n Saint Francis International School – $300,000<\/p>\n Saint Vincent de Paul Head Start – $195,000<\/p>\n The Arc of Montgomery County, Karasik Family, Infant, and Child Care Center – $150,000<\/p>\n The Goddard School in Owings Mills – $100,000<\/p>\n The Lourie Center for Children\u2019s Social and Emotional Wellness – $240,000<\/p>\n Themba Creative Learning Center – $300,000<\/p>\n Union Baptist Head Start – $250,000<\/p>\n Wee Lad and Lassie Early Learning Center – $70,000<\/p>\n White Marsh Child Care Center – $350,000<\/p>\n YMCA of Central Maryland Head Start – $500,000<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"