Friday, July 8, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573) 751-0290
Blunt Announces Missouri Preschool Project Grants
JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt announced that 15 school districts and private preschools have been awarded state grants to begin or expand early childhood education programs for 3 and 4-year-olds.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) selected the 15 programs to receive a total of more than $1.5 million in Missouri Preschool Project (MPP) grants for the 2005-06 school year. More than 50 public schools and private programs applied for this year’s round of grants.
The MPP program was authorized by state law in 1998. More than 330 projects have been assisted by the program since it began.
More than 4,500 3 and 4-year-olds are currently being served in programs throughout the state that receive support through the MPP program.
"Investing in our children is investing in our future. That is why I support the creation and expansion of high-quality preschool programs benefiting young children and families throughout Missouri. These programs increase children’s readiness for kindergarten and their chances for success in school," Blunt said.
The following schools and programs were selected to receive MPP grants:
| Academy of Fine Arts & Early Childhood Learning East | Columbia |
| Blue Springs School District | Blue Springs |
| Bradleyville School District | Bradleyville |
| Bunker School District | Bunker |
| Calhoun School District | Calhoun |
| Christian School for the Young Years | Cape Girardeau |
| Creative Expressions Learning Center | Eureka |
| Eternity Child Care | St. Louis |
| Hardin-Central School District | Hardin |
| KIDSPLAY | Manchester |
| Learning Junction | Webb City |
| Miller R-II School District | Miller |
| Southland School District | Cardwell |
| Wee Care | Harviell |
| Worth County School District | Grant City |
For more information contact Jo Anne Ralston, director of early childhood education, at (573) 751-2095.
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