Race to the Top Early-Learning Challenge Fund Guidance Announced

The United States Department of Education outlined their priorities for the recently created Race to the Top Early-Learning Challenge Fund – with an emphasis on rating systems, appropriate standards and assessments for kids, and high standards for the profession. 

Delaware is well positioned to compete for up to $50 million (winning states can receive as much as $100 million) with Governor Markell’s $22 million investment providing a critical, and timely, lever on which to build upon (additional summaries of Delaware’s status can be found here and here). 

The program, which will open applications up in late summer and make awards by the end of the year, will:

• Develop and administer kindergarten-readiness assessments;
• Demonstrate cooperation between various state agencies (would include, at minimum, the departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Services to Children, Youth, and their Families);
• Incorporate early-learning into the longitudinal data system; and
• Develop and utilize early-learning and development standards and assessments.

We are ecstatic that early-learning is finally getting its due – and look forward to working with all interested stakeholders to craft yet another winning application for the First State. 

Related Topics: Governor Markell, USED