MSDE recently released two early learning grant initiatives that expand the availability of high-quality full-day prekindergarten education to more Maryland children. Both private and public providers have the opportunity to participate in the grant programs.
The Prekindergarten Expansion Grants program is now available to both private child care providers and Local Education Agencies, providing $13,000 in funding to each eligible child. The goal of the grant program is to broaden availability and expand access to high-quality, full-day prekindergarten for three-year-old and four-year-old students from families with incomes at or below 300% Federal Poverty Level (FPL), as well as students with disabilities, homeless students, and children from homes in which English is not the primary spoken language.
MSDE also released applications for private providers who seek to participate in the Maryland State Prekindergarten Program, a new Blueprint for Maryland’s Future initiative. This program provides State and local funding to private providers who enroll three-year-old and four-year-old students from families with incomes at or below 300% FPL in full-day prekindergarten. Total funding for the Maryland State Prekindergarten Program is $11,594 per student in FY 2024.
Proposals are due no later than 5pm on June 13, 2023, but MSDE is reviewing applications on a rolling basis.