U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Early Learning Libby Doggett will discuss the role of early learning within the P-12 education system at a symposium for Texas state, district and school administrators on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at the University of Texas in Austin. Doggett will focus on practices and policies to make sure that all children have access to high-quality early learning experiences to give them a strong start on their path to success in school and in life.
President Obama is committed to closing the opportunity gap and working with states and local communities to ensure high-quality early learning for every child, so that all children enter kindergarten ready to succeed. The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services recently announced the Preschool Development Grants competition. The goal of Preschool Development Grants is to support states – including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico – in building, developing and expanding voluntary, high-quality preschool programs in high-need communities for children from low- and moderate-income families. The new grant program is jointly administered by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.
The Obama Administration strongly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and education is crucial to the economic strength and security of our nation and communities. The Department of Education’s work is focused on ensuring all students receive an education that prepares them for success in life and their career, through programs including Race to the Top, ConnectED, School Improvement Grants, as well as the Department’s work to expand access to preschool and make college more affordable.