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Connecticut submits its third bid for Race to the Top federal education grants on Wednesday. The focus this time around is early learning.
Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge Grants are targeted to states that want to better coordinate their early care and education systems. Right now, Connecticut has a patchwork of programs for young children overseen by five different state agencies.
But earlier this week Governor Malloy announced a new Early Childhood Office within the Office of Policy and Management. OPM under-secretary Gian-Carl Casa. "By showing the federal government that Connecticut really has its house in order in the area of early childhood education, it’ll help support the Race to the Top application."
States have to spell out plans for learning standards, a public rating system for early childhood education programs, and a kindergarten entry test to assess students’ academic needs.
Connecticut failed in two previous attempts for Race to the Top funds. Grants for this round will be announced by the end of the year.