Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge Grant Competition

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced a new $500 million state-level grant competition, the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge. The Early Learning Challenge will reward states that create comprehensive plans to transform early learning systems with better coordination, clearer learning standards, and meaningful workforce development. States will need to take actions to: 

* Increase the number and percentage of low-income and disadvantaged children in each age group of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are enrolled in high-quality early learning programs; 

* Design and implement an integrated system of high-quality early learning programs and services; and 

* Ensure that any use of assessments conforms with the recommendations of the National Research Council’s reports on early childhood.

Please join us on August 3rd to learn about Maryland's plans for its proposal - we will be joined by Margaret Williams, Executive Director of the Maryland Family Network. Maryland Family Network has two representatives on a nine-member leadership committee, drawn from the Governor-appointed Maryland Early Care and Education Advisory Council, that is providing guidance to MSDE staff on the design and development of Maryland’s proposal.