Malden legislative delegation announces $50K state grant for Malden Public Schools

  State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steven Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian recently announced that the Malden Public Schools (MPS) has been awarded a Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) Planning Grant for $50,000. The CPPI Planning Grant is designed to support school districts in working with local community-based early education providers to explore ways to expand access to high-quality preschool for three- and four-year-old children. Using this state grant, MPS will work with local early education providers to complete a comprehensive needs assessment that determines local gaps in preschool accessibility and/or quality.

  “I’m delighted that Malden will be moving forward to participate in the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, a proven program that expands access to high-quality preschool for children and families,” said Lewis. “Expanding access to affordable, convenient, and high-quality early education and care options is urgently needed for the benefit of young children, working families, and employers in Massachusetts.”

  “As a former public school teacher, education attorney, and mother to two young children, including one preschooler, I know how invaluable this continuous investment is,” said Lipper-Garabedian. “This grant program will ensure continued access to early education and support our children on a path for life-long learning, more essential than ever in building resiliency after two years of COVID-19.”

  “I am excited to learn that Malden Public Schools is a recipient of this grant,” said Ultrino. “Malden is taking a significant step towards expanding access to high-quality preschool programs with the help of the CPPI Planning Grant. With this funding, we can ensure the children in our diverse community can receive an early education that fits their needs.”

  “Early education is extremely beneficial for young children to learn social skills and provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning,” said Superintendent of Schools Ligia Noriega-Murphy. “Malden Public Schools is grateful to receive the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Planning Grant. We are always looking for opportunities that will benefit the children of Malden.”