More children throughout Erie County will have access to high-quality early learning programs because of the grant funding announced today by state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro.
“Studies show early childhood learning programs build the successful foundation for a positive learning experience, creating long-lasting benefits in children that include increased social interaction and improved academic performance,” said Bizzarro, D-Erie. “The grants announced today will allow for more children to enroll in these high-quality programs throughout the county.”
The grants approved today include the following six recipients in Erie County:
- Child Development Centers Inc. $400,000.
- Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center Inc. $80,000.
- Millcreek Township School District $150,000.
- Multicultural Community Resource Center $200,000.
Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP) grants:
- Benedictine Sisters of Erie $185,300.
- Child Development Centers $2,200,000.
Funding, made available through the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Child Development and Early Learning, is used for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and the HSSAP grants.
More than $87 million in HSSAP grants was awarded to 41 eligible applicants statewide and provides existing Head Start grantees the opportunity to expand high-quality pre-kindergarten Head Start services for eligible children, enrolling additional 3- and 4-year-old children and expanding full-day and full-year service opportunities for children and families.
The 2022-23 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Grant Program awarded more than $297 million in grants to 89 eligible applicants statewide to provide high-quality pre-kindergarten services for age- and income-eligible children opens up 2,960 new PA Pre-K Counts slots, and the increase for HSSAP will allow grantees to address increased costs to operate.
