Published: July 16, 2008 10:25 pm         

Rendell touts pre-K program; Cambria, Somerset get grants

HARRISBURG — Gov. Ed Rendell said Tuesday that 11,800 3- and 4-year-olds will benefit from the second year of Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, the pre-kindergarten program that is funded by $86.4 million in the new state budget.

Rendell encouraged parents to immediately begin enrolling their children for the school year beginning in September.

“Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts is a resounding success for children, families and the commonwealth,” Rendell said. “Data from the first year showed that children who participated in a Pre-K Counts program are better prepared to begin learning as they enter kindergarten, setting the stage for greater success throughout school and into their careers.”

Rendell said the program enables school districts, Head Start providers and child-care centers to deliver high-quality pre-kindergarten to more kids, with an emphasis on those who are at the greatest risk of future academic failure. Any public or private school that meets the state’s standards for educational quality was eligible to apply for funding.

Grant recipients include:

• Cambria County: Cambria Heights School District, Northern Cambria School District, Community Action Partnership of Cambria County, Conemaugh Valley School District, Greater Johnstown School District and the Penn Cambria School District.

• Somerset County: Tableland Services Inc. and Turkeyfoot Valley Area School District.

More information is available at papromiseforchildren.com or (877) 472-5437.

     

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