PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Chafee has awarded $335,000 in the first round of grants aimed at helping preschools, childcare centers and family childcare providers improve the quality of their programs.
Chafee expects to make about $5 million available to these programs throughout the year.
The grants are available through the federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge. Chafee was joined Wednesday by state education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist, state Board of Education Chair Eva-Marie Mancuso and others.
Rhode Island will use 71 percent of the total $50 million grant to provide direct support to early learning programs over four years. Rhode Island was only one of nine states to win one of these grants.
"Today we are awarding grants to early learning programs across the state to ensure that those who work with our youngest learners have the resources, tools, training and support they need to do their job well," Gist said.
Those interested in applying for grants should contact Nancy Cotoia at 462-6088 or at NCotoia@dhs.ri.gov. To register, go to BrightStars or call 398-7605.