Overview of the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Program

Created as part of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) on December 10, 2015, the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program is a $250 million competitive federal grant that supports states and territories as they work to improve their existing early childhood systems. The inclusion of PDG B-5 in ESSA marks the first time that Congress has dedicated specific funds to promote high-quality early childhood education in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Recognizing the potential for impact and the overwhelming interest from states and territories, Congress appropriated an additional $25 million in funding for PDG B-5 as part of the FY2020 Budget. PDG B-5 affirms both the importance of early learning in advancing equal access to education and the central role of states in leading early childhood coordination and quality efforts.

The following resource highlights how the PDG B-5 program empowers states and lists awarded grants.

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