While ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ may be smaller in size in both land mass and population compared to most other states, it is leading a trend to invest in early childhood programs, which could influence other states to do the same.
Montgomery County unveiled in late September two new initiatives backed by a $10 million investment. The majority of the $6.1 million in funding is designated to expand Head Start²ÝÝ®´«Ã½”critical support during a year of flat federal funding and an ongoing government shutdown that puts the program at risk.
The move in Montgomery County is concurrent with a yearslong effort by ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ and individual counties and cities ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½” to push the state to be a leader in investing in early childhood education.
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½œThe work has evolved into what I would say would be a model for other communities," says Christy Tirrell-Corbin, executive director of the Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention at the ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½.
