Puget Sound ESD Receives Early Reading First Grant

We are happy to announce that Puget Sound ESD has been selected to receive a competitive federal grant under the Early Reading First Program in the amount of $4.1 million, for the period from October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2012.  

The purpose of the Early Reading First Program is to support local efforts that enable children, particularly those from low-income families, to enter kindergarten with the strongly developed cognitive, language and literacy skills needed for continued learning and reading success.

PSESD's grant is for Highline Foundations for Literacy and creates a partnership between the Puget Sound ESD (fiscal agent), Curiosity Corner School (full day Head Start/community preschool), Educare Learning Center at Greenbridge (full day Head Start), From Roots to Wings Child Development Center (full day community preschool), and Valley View Early Learning Center (part day ECEAP preschool). This partnership will create sustainable preschool centers of excellence through enhanced instruction, experiences and environments so children enter kindergarten with the strongly developed cognitive, language and literacy skills needed for continued learning and reading success.

Highline Foundations for Literacy programs serve 298 low income (97%), special needs (5% identified with current IEP), and ELL (71%) children.

Posted 10/01/09