Gentile applauds added preschool slots for Ansonia

Education department targets school readiness     

  State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, applauded Gov. Dannel Malloy’s announcement that new early-childhood education slots have been identified for Ansonia, meaning that state funding will be provided for preschool opportunities for 21 additional children.

      The new slots are part of the education reform bill backed by Rep. Gentile and passed by the legislature this spring. 
     Studies have shown that children having access to high quality early education are more likely to succeed in grades K-12.

      “Increasing access to preschool is the foundation of our education reform initiatives,” Gentile said. “Closing the achievement gap is our ultimate goal."

      According to the state Department of Education, grants for the new slots in Ansonia will be as follows:   Valley YMCA, 20 full day;   Ansonia Public Schools,  one full day.

     Statewide, the sweeping education reform package targets almost $6.8 million in new funding for increased access to high quality early childhood education.        
     With the funding, 1,000 additional slots in 36 municipalities will be administered through the Connecticut School Readiness program, a state Department of Education initiative designed to provide access to high quality preschool for children ages three and four.

     The education reform package creates a pilot program to enhance literacy for students in kindergarten through third grade. It also requires the state Department of Education to develop reading assessments so children that are reading deficient are identified early so they may get the help they need quickly.

The above is taken from a release from Gentile's office.