Atlanta preschool programs get a big boost from Atlanta Public Schools

So far, the city has raised $14.5 million. It’s still $5.5 million short of its goal. The mission is to better prepare the city’s children for school.

In his State of the City address this year, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens called for a $20 million investment in early childhood programs.

“This investment in early education and pre-K is going to make sure it’s not just a privilege to have those opportunities, but a right,” Dickens said.

The city pledged $5 million. Another $4.5 million came from the private sector. Now, Atlanta Public Schools is putting $5 million toward the initiative.

TRENDING STORIES:

• K9 shot when SWAT responds to deadly shooting suspect barricaded in car in Clayton County
• Mom of murdered football player says she doesn’t believe her son knew his killers
• What we know about 2 teenagers arrested in murder of star football player outside Gwinnett mall

“We look forward to designing new ways for Atlanta Public Schools to be even more thoughtful around early childhood education,” Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Herring said.

“We know that supporting development at a very young age, beginning in infancy, benefits parents, teachers and overall communities,” Dickens said.

The city’s initiative aims to provide high-quality early education programs for all children, and to improve learning in pre-kindergarten classes.

The first years of life, educators say, are critical for brain development.

“We want to ensure that every child, regardless of what ZIP code they live in, has the very best experience that helps them build the very best brain possible,” said Stephanie Blank with the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students.

The $20 million will go toward providing scholarship money to help low-income families pay for early childhood programs.

It also pays for refurbishing child care centers and providing curriculum materials.

IN OTHER NEWS: