Early childhood literacy grant

Montana schools are receiving a 7.5 million dollar federal grant aimed at leveling the playing field for children in low-income households.

The grant is specifically targeted at early childhood literacy programs. Now 25 to 35 sub-grantees can apply for the money to help young students build vocabulary and have text-rich home environments. Headstart and pre-school programs can apply.

"It's so necessary to be able to have those reading skills, early on, by third grade, and so anything we can do to build up that process before that is critical,” says State Superintendent of Public Schools Denise Juneau.

Montana was one of six states to get this grant.

Story by Ryan Whalen, Beartooth NBC.
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