Bridgeport, CT. - Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) announced today that Bridgeport Public Schools would receive a total of $2,888,208 over 3 years for Early Childhood Development programs under the Early Reading First program.  "I am so pleased the Department of Education selected Bridgeport to receive this funding," said Shays. "We need additional investment for our kids in Bridgeport. All children should be prepared for school entry; this funding will ensure Bridgeport youth have that opportunity." "This is fantastic news for Bridgeport preschool children and families," stated Mayor John M. Fabrizi. "When unveiling Bridgeport's Blueprint for Young Children last week, I stated that we know what it takes to prepare children for lifelong success. The U.S. Dept. of Education has recognized this fact by awarding us with this three year competitive grant. Our children are our foundation for building a stronger community. The earlier and the better young children are prepared, the more successful they will be as adults. This is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of a well-educated workforce and a stronger community. We appreciate the role Congressman Shays and our federal delegation played in securing these funds for Bridgeport."  "Five is a charm for Bridgeport!," said John Ramos, the Bridgeport Superintendent of Schools. "We are delighted with the wonderful news that such a significant investment is being made in our children. This grant provides much needed resources to drive our just released BLUEPRINT for Young Children and promotes the goals of our district and supporting community's Strategic Plan. We are on the move for children and youth!"   I am absolutely ecstatic that finally Bridgeport is being recognized for its great work in the early childhood arena," said Deborah Watson, the Director of Early Childhood for Bridgeport. "This is just one of the great things happening in Bridgeport. This grant provides young children and their families with a wonderful opportunity to enhance early literacy development and it is aligned with goals 1 and 3 in our recently released Blueprint for young children." The Early Reading First program supports local efforts to enhance the oral language, cognitive and early reading skills of pre-school-age children, especially those from low-income families, through strategies, materials and professional development that are grounded in scientifically-based reading research. The Bridgeport Public Schools have many programs in place that focus on early childhood learning.  Four early care agencies collaborating with the Bridgeport Public Schools and several supporting organizations will use the funding to extend elements of these existing programs to their community and school-based preschool classrooms, creating continuity and a cohesive and holistic approach to early childhood learning. 

Ongoing assessments and screenings will provide information for teachers to ensure successful development of cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills in preschoolers, making them better prepared for kindergarten.