July 11, 2012

REP. PERONE ANNOUNCES NORWALK RECEIVING
STATE FUNDING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
50 New Pre-K Seats Will Be Available This Fall

State Representative Chris Perone announced that Norwalk will receive funding for an additional 50 pre-K School Readiness seats.

“Reading is the basis of learning and key to academic success. Our Pre-K School Readiness program gets kids reading early—laying a strong foundation for future success both in and out of the classroom,” said Perone.

New funding for increased access to high-quality early childhood education was including in the sweeping education reform package (SB 458) that Perone sponsored this year. The slots are part of the Connecticut School Readiness program which is designed to provide for, and increase access to, high-quality preschool for children ages three and four. There will be a total of 1,000 new slots this fall spread among 36 towns in Connecticut.

Perone said the education reform package also creates a pilot program to enhance literacy for students in kindergarten through third grade. It also requires the state Department of Education to develop reading assessments so children that are reading deficient are identified early so they may get the help they need quickly.