James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, has announced a $3.6 million grant from the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation in support of efforts to increase preschool access and equity across the state.

The funding will provide more than three hundred preschool slots for 3- and 4-year-olds currently facing barriers to formal school entry, at no cost to families. Building on existing efforts to boost access to high-quality preschool through public-private partnerships, the initiative will focus on children and families of color and those living in childcare deserts. Twenty-three childcare providers are participating in the effort, and the university has been working with a network of community partners including local public school systems, United Way of Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro, Transport Services, the Child Learning Center, Virginia Quality, and Harrisonburg Smart Beginnings to connect childcare providers with eligible families.

"The VECF grant is another example of the great work that the College of Education is engaged in [across] the commonwealth," said Mark L'Esperance, dean of the College of Education at James Madison University. "An opportunity likes this changes lives of children and families. We are excited that JMU is taking the lead on this important initiative."

(Photo credit: JMU / Gettyimages)