Preschool Makes a Difference: Scholarship Program
Description
In 2009, First 5 Contra Costa implemented a pilot preschool scholarship program in East County offering high-quality preschool to eligible children. In 2010, the Thomas J. Long Foundation invested in the PMD program, which enabled the creation of a countywide scholarship program for families residing in the following communities:
- Antioch
- Bay Point
- Concord
- Pittsburg
- San Pablo
- Richmond
Preschool Makes a Difference scholarships are awarded to 150 children annually. Scholarships may only be used at high-quality licensed child care programs that have been pre-screened and approved through an application process. Benefits of high quality preschool include improved reading and math scores, reduced need for special education, fewer grade retentions, and increased high school graduation rates. Other studies have found economic benefits for participants as well as society.
Results
In 2009-10, 20 children received scholarships in Antioch and Pittsburg and 15 children in Richmond. Scholarships were awarded to children not already in licensed child care. 150 children are expected to participate this year.
FY 2010-11 Allocation
Scholarships: $1.3 million and Contra Costa Child Care Council: $230,635
Community Served
Scholarships are for families who:
- have children not already in licensed child care
- meet income eligibility requirements
- with children age 3, 4 or 5 years old (and entering kindergarten in the coming 2 years)
- reside in zip codes 94801, 94804 or 94806 and enter kindergarten in West Contra Costa schools
- reside in zip codes 94565 and enter kindergarten in Pittsburg schools
- reside in zip codes 94509 or 94531 and enter kindergarten in Antioch schools
- reside in zip codes 94518, 94519, 94520 and enter kindergarten in Mt. Diablo schools
