NC is One of 9 States to Share $500 Million in Race to the Top Early Learning Grants

December 16, 2011

NC is one of 9 states will share $500 million in Race to the Top early learning grants. North Carolina has always been a pioneer in creating model programs that support the development of young children, most notably SmartStart, NC Pre-Kindergarten (formerly More at Four), and the tiered childcare quality rating system (QRIS). Receiving grant money through the Race to the Top –Early Learning Challenge Grant will allow our state to ensure kindergarten preparedness by focusing on capacity building and making sure infrastructure is in place to allow the effects of this grant to remain strong long after the grant period. To accomplish this goal, an integrated data system will be used to measure progress and direct funds to approaches that achieve the best outcomes. This grant funding will allow the continued building on this strong foundation and make huge strides in achieving the best possible outcomes for young children through new initiatives and strategies.

The full grant is online at:

http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-earlylearningchallenge/awards.html

###