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TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

SUBJECT: Public Forums in December 2007 for Prekindergarten Expansion Grant Program

The state has provided more active leadership to help students and families have a successful early start by making all Texas children school-ready by the time they begin kindergarten. Research confirms the value of early education for young children. A high quality early childhood education is key to children’s school readiness and success. TEA is conducting public forums and would like to invite school district and open-enrollment charter school administrators and educators, Head Start and child care directors and personnel, and all others who are interested in providing input for the guidelines regarding next year’s Prekindergarten Expansion Grant (Cycle 14) for school year 2008-2009. Rider 47 in House Bill 1, 80th Texas Legislature, allocated $91,800,000 for each year of the biennium.

The Prekindergarten Expansion Grant is authorized by Texas Education Code, Section 29.155, originated by the 76th Texas Legislature. The purpose of the grant is to expand half-day prekindergarten programs to full-day programs and establish new prekindergarten programs at campuses that previously did not operate such programs for eligible students in school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. In addition, Prekindergarten Expansion Grantees will be required to comply with Senate Bill 23 and enter into an integrated school readiness program with a public school, Head Start, or for-profit or nonprofit early childhood care program. Successful grants will implement cost-effective ways to develop an integrated approach that brings together school districts, child care providers, and Head Start programs in order to dramatically improve early reading, math, and social development.

Schedule for Prek Expansion Grant Forums:

• Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Region 11 ESC, 3001 North Freeway, Fort Worth
  Register at http://www.esc11.net
  Contact: Shelley Huff, 817-740-7628, shuff@esc11.net
• Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, Region 6 ESC, 3332 Montgomery Road, Huntsville
  Register at: http://www.esc6.net/, Session #63080
  Contact: Tammy Walker, Demetricia Lee, or Kathy Cook, 936-435-8360, twalker@esc6.net
• Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, TEA, 1701 N. Congress Ave., WB Travis Bldg., Room 1-104
  Note: Advance registration not available; sign in at the meeting
  Contact: Renee Graham, renee.graham@tea.state.tx.us or Roberto Manzo, roberto.manzo@tea.state.tx.us
• Monday, Dec. 10, 2007, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, Region 2 ESC, 209 North Water Street, Corpus Christi
  Register: http://www.esc2.net/, click on Registration, Workshop #0719163
  Contact: Barbara Purcell or Karen Turner, 361-561-8564, barbara.purcell@esc2.us
• Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, Region 15 ESC, 612 South Irene Street, San Angelo
  Register: http://www.netxv.net/
  Contact: Tony Priest, 325-658-6571 ext. 218, tony.priest@netxv.net
• Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, Noon – 3:00 PM, TETN, Event # 30299
  Register at your Regional Education Service Center: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/ESC/

 

For assistance or additional information please contact Renee Graham in the Division of Health, Safety, and School Readiness at 512-936-7588 or renee.graham@tea.state.tx.us.