“The achievement gap begins before a child steps foot into kindergarten,” Governor Quinn said. “We know that investing in early childhood education is the best way to ensure lifelong success for our students. By setting our youngest learners on the right track now, we can prepare them for a lifetime of growth and strengthen our economy for the future.” 

Gov. Quinn announced the 14 recipients of the grants today at a press conference at Cicero’s “Through A Child’s Eyes” Program, attended by State Board of Education Chairman Gery J. Chico and One Hope United Northern Region Executive Director, Mark McHugh, who spoke at the conference representing both One Hope United and the Illinois Early Learning Council, where he co-chairs the Capital Development and Infrastructure Committee. “We are excited to receive this grant and extend our ability to give young children across Illinois the early education they deserve,” McHugh said. “A child who is allowed to thrive and receive a nurturing, empowering start will become a prosperous and successful adult in the long run. We commend Gov. Quinn for his commitment to early childhood education across the state.”

For more:

• http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=10815
• http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/illinois&id=8925972