Posted August 18, 2005

     The FY 2006 state budget is great news for the young children and families of the Commonwealth.  The Legislature sent a strong message about their commitment to high-quality early education by including over $20 million in new funding to strengthen the current foundation of early education and care programs as well as critical initiatives to support professional development for early educators. 

     The new $1 million scholarship program for early educators, the  $2 million increase in kindergarten grants, and the $12.5 million in rate relief for early education and care providers will all have a direct and positive impact on the quality and availability of early education and care for the children of the Commonwealth.  These initiatives, among others, support the foundation on which an effective and accountable system of voluntary high-quality early education for all Massachusetts children can be built.  We want to thank Senator Jack Hart and Representative Brian Wallace for their leadership and support of this budget and for doing what is best for our children.

Sincerely,

Bryan Van Dorpe

South Boston Neighborhood House &

South Boston Child Care Cluster