| Purpose: |
The purpose of the state-funded Transition to Full-Day Kindergarten grant is to encourage the voluntary expansion of high-quality, full-day kindergarten classrooms across Massachusetts. The grant is intended to assist districts to implement full-day kindergarten (FDK) in September of 2009. Recipients of the grant will be eligible for a Quality Full-Day Kindergarten grant (Fund Code: 701) for FY2010, contingent on state appropriation, based on readiness for starting or expanding full-day kindergarten, and an approved grant application.
The larger purpose of the state-funded Kindergarten Development Grant program is to enhance the educational experience of children by ensuring high program quality through integrated curriculum across the content areas and accreditation; increasing inclusion; promoting continuity of curriculum from preschool to third grade; and developing other program components. The program will help to achieve the goal of preventing the achievement gap. |
| Priorities: | Highest priority will be given to districts with high percentages of students scoring in the Warning and Needs Improvement categories on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exams (3&rd grade reading and mathematics and 4th grade English language arts and mathematics) and to districts that can demonstrate the need for full-day kindergarten based on other criteria of need (e.g., an individual school meeting the criteria above, the needs of a particular population, needs based on rural or isolated locations, etc.). |
| Eligibility: |
Districts seeking to transition part-time to full-day kindergarten classrooms that will open in September 2009 are eligible to apply.
Districts that receive an FY2009 Quality Full-Day Kindergarten grant (Fund Code: 701) and that want to transition additional existing part-time kindergarten sessions to full-day programs are eligible to apply.
Districts not meeting the above priority but that are able to demonstrate comprehensive support and capacity for a successful transition to full-day kindergarten may apply and receive funding after high need districts are funded.
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| Funding: |
A total of $3,000,000 is available for these competitive grants. Funds will be awarded to eligible districts based on the following amount per classroom: up to $15,000 for each part-time kindergarten session to be transitioned to a full-day kindergarten classroom. Grant awards for districts transitioning more than 10 classrooms may be adjusted to a lower amount per classroom. |
| Fund Use: |
Funds may be used for activities related to meeting required grant goals. Refer to Appendix A: Additional Program Information in the Additional Information section for details on required and optional grant activities.
Funds may not be used for screening instruments or personnel to identify special education needs or for other costs associated with specific children's Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). |
| Project Duration: |
This grant has two cycles:
FY2009 School Year Program: Upon Approval - 6/30/2009
FY2010 Summer Program: 7/1/2009 - 8/31/2009 |
| Program Unit: | Office of Elementary School Services |
| Contact: | Emily Caille |
| Phone Number: | 781-338-6355 |
Date Due for Letters of Intent to Apply: | By Tuesday, September 23, 2008, the Letter of Intent to Apply (See Required Forms.), including the estimated number of full-day classrooms to be opened in FY2010, should be mailed to:
Nermina Peric
Elementary School Services
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148-4906
or emailed to nperic@doe.mass.edu. |
| Date Due for Proposals: |
Friday, October 17, 2008
Competitive proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. on the due date. |
| Required Forms: |
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Letter of Intent to Apply
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FY2009 School Year Program: Part I - General - Program Unit Signature Page - (Standard Contract Form and Applications for Program Grants)
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FY2010 Summer Program: Part I - General - Program Unit Signature Page - (Standard Contract Form and Applications for Program Grants)
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Part II - Budget Detail Pages for FY2009 School Year Program - Instructions
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Part II - Budget Detail Pages for FY2010 Summer Programs - Instructions
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Budget Narrative (See Part III - Section G.)
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Part III - Required Program Information
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Letter of Assurance (See Part III, Section H.)
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Applicants may apply for funds for activities during the school year only, for both school year and summer, or for summer only. To apply for both, submit a Part I, Part II, and a budget narrative for each time period. |
| Additional Information: |
Appendix A: Additional Program Information - Additional information on the Transition to Full-Day Kindergarten grant program (including a definition of full-day kindergarten).
Appendix A includes information on the Quality Full-Day Kindergarten Grant (Fund Code: 701) and the RFP at http://finance1.doe.mass.edu/Grants/grants09/rfp/701.html.
The Kindergarten Learning Experiences and the Tuition Policy for Full-Day Kindergarten with Sliding Fee Scale are posted at http://www.doe.mass.edu/ess/ta/
A scoring rubric is available upon request.
Upon award, the Department will seek an Assurance (non-binding) from the Superintendent and School Committee Chair ensuring a commitment for fiscal support for full-day kindergarten in FY2010.
Completing a mid-year report on the progress of grant activities may be required.
If you have questions, contact:
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| Proposal
Submission Instructions: | Mail three (3) sets of the proposal, one with an original signature of the Superintendent, to:
Nermina Peric
Elementary School Services
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148-4906
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State Government · State Services 
