Sacramento - Assemblymember Buchanan is proud to announce that Governor Brown, along with State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson and State Board of Education Chair Michael Kirst submitted the application for the federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant (RTT-ELC) on October 17, 2011. The goal of the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant is to ensure children entering kindergarten are prepared to learn and succeed by increasing access to high-quality early learning programs, especially for children with high needs.
"As the Assembly representative to Early Learning Quality Improvement System Advisory Committee, the Early Learning Advisory Committee and a former school board member, I understand the importance of quality early learning programs to student success and was happy to write a letter in support of the state's application." Assemblymember Buchanan stated.
"Research confirms the social and economic benefits of early education for children and families, as well as society. Children who attend effective early learning programs are better prepared for kindergarten, have stronger language skills in the first years of elementary school and are less likely to repeat a grade or drop out of school. These gains are maintained throughout high school." Buchanan continued.
This grant application gives California the opportunity to receive $100 million in federal funding over a four-year period to achieve the goals of the RTT-ELC. States have until October 19 to submit their application, with grants being awarded in December 2011.
Contact: Susanna Schlendorf, (916) 319-2015
