Governors show support for Federal Preschool Development Grant B-5 Funding

The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program is a competitive federal grant program that plays an essential role in ensuring state child care and early learning systems are as effective and efficient as possible. States can use funds for a wide range of efforts, including capacity building, increasing family engagement, creating infrastructure, providing direct services, and piloting new work. 

Created as part of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, this program has enjoyed broad support for nearly a decade. States continue to seek PDG B-5 funding because they realize the necessity of PDG B-5 in ensuring our nation’s youngest learners have the best opportunities to develop and thrive. Governors from states that were awarded PDG B-5 funding emphasize how critical these funds are to supporting their early care and learning systems.

Learn more about what they have to say about the positive impact that PDG B-5 funds have on their states:

Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL)– 2023

“Alabama children deserve the best start possible, and these funds will help us support early childhood educators in an efficient, developmentally-appropriate way,” said Governor Ivey. “This grant will support the scaling of high-quality programs of early childhood care and education, so we can ensure our children are prepared for further education, a career and a lifetime of success.”

Governor Andy Beshear (D-KY)- 2022

“My administration will always put education first, and that starts with our youngest students, so they have the strong start in school and life that they deserve,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is an investment in our kids and also in our future workforce and economy. It’s personal to me as a dad, because I want all of our kids to have the best opportunities possible right here.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI)-2024

“Child care is essential for working families so parents can go to work knowing their kids are safe and cared for,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “…[PDG B-5] will invest in our early childhood educators, improving their pay and benefits, drive down costs for families, and support our kids. Since I took office, we have prioritized child care, helping to open or expand more than 1,000 child care centers so families have more options and starting innovative programs like Tri-Share that cut monthly child care costs for parents by 66%. Let’s keep working with our federal partners and state legislature to improve access to safe, high-quality, and affordable child care for all Michigan families.”

Governor Joe Lombardo (R-NV)-2023

“We know that offering strong early childhood education opportunities is a pivotal part of ensuring future academic success. I’m grateful that this grant will help our state better serve Nevada’s youngest students,” said Governor Joe Lombardo.

Governor Mike DeWine (R-OH) – 2023

“The largest group of Ohioans living in poverty are children aged five and under,” said Governor DeWine. “This grant allows Ohio to better serve these children by creating stronger cross program coordination and higher quality programming in publicly funded childcare, public preschools, early intervention and home visiting that form a strong foundation for successful learning.”

Governor Dan McKee (D-RI)- 2024

“Through this child care investment, Rhode Island’s youngest children will have continued access to educational, social, and emotional supports they need to succeed. Our state agencies are in lockstep to ensure we’re delivering results in alignment with the goals set in the Rhode Island 2030 plan,” said Governor Dan McKee.

Governor Phil Scott (R-VT)- 2023

“Investing in and supporting early childhood education is a top priority for Vermont, and this grant will go a long way in supporting our efforts,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I want to thank our federal partners, Building Bright Futures, and all of our partners for their continued commitment to building strong foundations for future generations.” 

Governor Tony Evers (D-WI)- 2021

“As I’ve said before, Wisconsin’s success is directly aligned with the health of our early care and education system,” said Gov. Evers. “The first five years are essential to the future success of our young learners, and we don’t get a do-over.” 

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