The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has published a list of resources for local and state agencies to effectively utilize Title I funds. This initiative is expected to bolster childhood programs such as Head Start.
According to an ED news release, the department issued its recommendations in the Non-Regulatory Guidance on Serving Preschool Children Through Title I with the aim of enabling more children to access high-quality preschool programs. Since 2021, the ED has been providing $1.9 billion annually in funding that supports these schools in offering a curriculum designed to enhance students' chances of success upon entering school. The updated suggestions are supported by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which aims to provide crucial information to improve and rejuvenate preschool programs.
"High-quality, early learning opportunities are proven bridges to later academic success—and every child deserves access," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "With the resources we’re releasing today, the Biden-Harris Administration is helping states, Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), schools, and communities reach more historically underserved children with high-quality preschool programs, strengthen community partnerships, and find strategies and tools to best support educators and staff. I’m proud that the department is a partner in raising the bar on quality and access so that more children can benefit from expanded early learning opportunities and lay the path for early school success."
Prior to this update, according to the news release, the resources were last revised in 2012. In response to President’s Executive Order to Increase Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers, ED was tasked with reviewing data regarding resources available for schools and LEAs aiming to enhance their preschool programs. The updates also aim at achieving educational equity by providing information that caters for linguistic needs of English learners and children with disabilities.
