Reston Schools May Get Huge Funding Boost

RESTON, VA — Virginia schools are getting $17.5 million in extra funding from a federal grant to serve at-risk 4-year-olds, and Fairfax County is one of 11 counties in the state that will get access to those funds -- which could be very good news for three Reston preschools.

Virginia's portion comes from $247.4 million that was awarded to 18 states across the country in the third round of Preschool Expansion Grant awards, according to a statement from Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

The funds will be used to improve on the Virginia Preschool Initiative, and expand services to 4-year-olds from families in "high need communities," the statement notes.

A total of 2,804 children and their families were served in the first year of the grant in 2014, and Virginia's school divisions have set a goal of serving 3,300 at-risk students.

“Virginia remains committed to expanding educational opportunities to underserved populations in every corner of the Commonwealth, and that includes increasing access to high-quality pre-kindergarten,” stated Secretary of Education Dietra Trent. “This third round of grants will ensure that even more of our youngest students receive the education they need and the resources they deserve.”

There are not yet any specifics on what schools in Fairfax County will benefit from the grant, but three Reston schools accept enrollment for the Virginia Preschool Initiative: Great Day's children Center at 11155 North Shore Drive, Laurel Learning Center at 11484 Washington Plaza, and TLC4 Kids at 1603 North Washington Plaza.

Image via Wikimedia user Robbieraeful