Applications for Early Childhood Learning Grants now available

A new application package for the Early Childhood Learning Grants Program is now available to community groups and not-for-profit organizations.

Through this program, which is funded under the Early Childhood Development Initiative (ECDI), approximately $250,000 is provided annually to fund early learning programs that foster literacy and numeracy development. Last year, 34 groups received grants ranging from $1,150 to $30,000, depending on the scope of the program and the number of anticipated participants.

�These early childhood learning grants are a fantastic opportunity. Funds are available to cover the cost of supplies and overhead in the delivery of early learning programming for our province�s pre-school children. We certainly welcome applications from groups and organizations such as schools, libraries, literacy councils and provincial associations,� remarked Tom Hedderson, Minister of Education. Earlier this year government established a Ministerial Council on Early Childhood Learning, chaired by Minister Hedderson, that is helping to coordinate and develop government programs focusing on the early learning needs of children and their families.

With today�s announcement, the total funding for early literacy grants which have been announced since 2001 is approximately $1.2 million. This funding highlights government�s commitment to our province�s children as outlined in the platform document, Blueprint for the Future. �It is our responsibility to provide for this province�s young people every chance to learn and succeed. This begins with our youngest children, and I am proud that we are acting on and strengthening our Blueprint commitment to early childhood learning and development,� added the minister.

There is a new deadline date for applications, which has been moved ahead to December 2, 2005 from January 31. This will enable the proposal review process to be completed in time for projects to commence in January 2006.

The application package is available online at:
//www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/early/grants_application06-07.pdf .

Further information on the program is available through the Division of Early Childhood Learning, Department of Education, 729-2733.

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 690-6047

2005 10 21                            9:55 a.m.