Massachusetts is One of Five States to Receive Early Childhood Education Grant

Malden - Education Commissioner David P. Driscoll announced today that the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) has awarded Massachusetts and four other states grants of $10,000 each to promote public understanding and support of early childhood education for at-risk children. Illinois, Kansas, Ohio and Wyoming receive this award, as well.

Massachusetts will use this grant to provide written materials for educators, providers and parents about transition services for young children at risk for special education services.

Commissioner Driscoll said, "Preparation and early intervention are the keys to making sure that all children begin school ready to learn. Educators and parents who know about special services for young children and how to access them can devote more time to helping the children. This grant will help, and I appreciate the opportunity from NASBE."

In Massachusetts, three agencies provide special developmental services for babies, toddlers and preschool children: the Department of Public Health provides prevention services for at-risk babies ages birth through two; the Office of Child Care Services administers child care programs; and the Department of Education administers special education for children ages three through twenty-one. These agencies work in partnership to provide streamlined transitional services.

NASBE represents America's state and territorial boards of education. Their principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking; advocate equality of access to educational opportunity; promote excellence in the education of all students; and assure responsible lay governance of education.

For more information on the Massachusetts Board of Education and on early intervention programs, please visit the Department of Education website at www.doe.mass.edu.