Enhancement Grants for Local School Systems

Judith P. Hoyer Enhancement Grants for local school systems established full-day (defined as 7-12 hours per day), all-year, quality early child care and education programs in partnership with accredited, high quality child care programs. Specifically, local school systems can request funds to:

• Increase the number of prekindergarten spaces available for four-year-olds by entering into a contract with an accredited, high quality child care center(s).

How have local school systems used these funds?

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is using enhancement funds with two nationally accredited child care centers to provide comprehensive pre-kindergarten services. The Hagerstown Community College Children's Center and The Learning Center (formerly Surrey Child Care Center) provide on-site, half-day pre-kindergarten in combination with all-day, year-round child care on site. At both centers, workshops for parents and joint professional development activities for child care and public school staff are offered.

What is the process for applying for an Enhancement Grant?

A competitive grant application process took place in 2006. Five local school systems, Baltimore City, Frederick County, Prince George's County, Washington County, and Wicomico County, were awarded this enhancement grant. At this time there is no new Request For Proposal (RFP).

For more information contact:
Valerie Kaufman, Early Learning Branch Chief
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-767-6546
E-mail: valeriek@msde.state.md.us