East Haven Legislators Welcome Smart Start Funding

State Representatives James Albis (D-East Haven) and Roland Lemar (D-New Haven, East Haven) are thrilled that the State Bond Commission approved a $148,055 Smart Start grant for improvements to two East Haven classrooms at its May 11, 2015 meeting. This state funding will finance new technology and security equipment as well as playground improvements.

“Studies speak to the immense benefits of high-quality early childhood education. Preschool sets up children to be better learners for life. I am grateful for this state funding which will allow 30 East Haven students the opportunity to learn better and learn safer and am happy to have supported Smart Start from Day 1,” Rep. Albis said.

“I am so happy the state approved funding for East Haven classrooms. By ensuring that our youngest East Haven residents have access to high-quality and safe preschools, we are setting up our kids for a lifetime of success not only in the classroom, but eventually the workforce as well,” said Rep. Lemar.

This state funding comes as part of a larger $1,587,055 grant for twelve cities and towns in Connecticut, allowing for 23 classrooms to serve 341 new students under the state’s Smart Start initiative. Connecticut’s Smart Start program was created during the 2014 legislative session with the intent of expanding preschool statewide in public school settings.