A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Help Children Get Off to a Strong and Healthy Start and Send Them to School Ready to Learn

U.S. Department of Education Resources

As part of his America Reads Challenge Act, President Clinton is proposing to invest $300 million over 5 years in Parents as First Teachers Challenge Grants to foster effective programs that provide assistance for parents interested in helping their children become successful readers by the end of 3rd grade (call 202-401-8888). The President is seeking significant increases for many programs with early childhood components, including a $347 million increase for Title I, a $6 million increase in Even Start family literacy programs, and a $164 million increase in Special Education State Grants that would help children with disabilities. Districts receiving Title I support must reserve 1 percent of these funds for activities such as family literacy and parenting skills education (contact your state Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education at 202-260-0826). A family-focused program, Even Start integrates early childhood education, adult literacy and basic skills instruction, and parenting education (call 202-260-4021). Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, states may serve eligible infants and toddlers, and they must provide special education services to eligible preschool-age children (call 202-205-5507). Funded by the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, 28 Parental Information and Resource Centers coordinate and highlight existing programs that support parents, such as Parents as Teachers and Home Instruction for Preschool Youngsters (see descriptions below). For more information, call 202-401-0039. The Women’s Educational Equity Act supports programs that help pregnant and parenting teens remain in school and graduate while preparing their children for preschool (call 202-260-2670).

-###-

[Checklist] [Table of Contents] [Sources]