East Haven Lawmaker Applauds Federal Funds for Pre-K Programs

State Representative James Albis (D – East Haven) said he applauds the nearly $12.5 million federal funding being released over the next four years to expand high-quality preschool in Connecticut. The funding approval was announced today by the Governor’s office.

“I’m pleased that East Haven will get the funding it needs to provide quality pre-k programs needed to give students a head start at life,” said Rep. Albis. “This funding is only one component of my commitment and the legislature’s commitment to move Connecticut closer to universal pre-k access.”

These grants will enable the creation of new pre-k slots for children in economically stressed families. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services through a competitive application process.

“We have a fundamental responsibility to provide an opportunity for all children to succeed, and one of the best ways to do that is to make sure they have access to a high-quality early learning experience,” said Governor Malloy.

The funding will help to fulfill the state’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, state-funded preschool programs for 428 children and to improve the quality of state-funded preschool programs for another 284 children.

These 712 four-year-olds will be members of families making less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Line in 14 high-need communities across the state. The 14 communities are Bridgeport, Derby, East Haven, Griswold, Groton, Hamden, Hebron, Killingly, Manchester, Naugatuck, Seymour, Torrington, Vernon, and Wolcott.

In addition to this funding, 1,020 additional School Readiness opportunities for children in low-income families were added this year. The legislature also passed the Smart Start Program which will provide grants next year for the renovation of existing public school classrooms to accommodate public preschool programs.