The Early Reading First grant was initiated in the No Child Left Behind legislation. As part of 'Good Start, Grow Smart' and administered through the Academic Improvement and Teacher Quality Programs office of the U.S. government, this early childhood program funding source aids preschool literacy efforts. School districts (for example, Head Start programs in public schools) and other private preschool programs may be eligible for this grant. Typically, grant money is awarded to early childhood centers in low income areas or districts. Grant money may be used to enhance teacher preparation in pre-reading, literacy, and language areas of curriculum, to create new literacy oriented programs, improve existing programs, or for literacy related screening and assessments.
Many U.S. states offer grants to both public and privately run preschool programs. These grants can be used for program improvements, teacher training, and other related early childhood concerns. For example, the Nebraska Early Childhood Education Program Grant is aimed at improving existing pre-kindergarten programs through a contribution that equals half of the center's total yearly budget. All programs in the state are eligible as long as they meet specific state regulations that include using research based programming, hiring trained staff members, involving families, using evaluation methods, and creating developmentally appropriate practices. Another state with an early childhood program grant is Missouri. The Missouri Child Care Start Up and Expansion Grant allows centers and schools to create space for new students by expanding programming.
The LEGO company's Children's Fund provides grants to early childhood education centers for programs related to promoting creativity. These awards are given quarterly to applicants who meet eligibility requirements and are in need of funding that coincides with LEGO's mission of childhood creativity. Only tax-exempt schools and organziations will be considered for Children's Fund grants. These grants are project based, and not intended for general school funding. Additionally, the LEGO corporation will award matching funds grants for organizations that qualify. Early childhood programs from across the U.S. may apply for this grant, but preference will be given to those near LEGO's North American headquarters in New England. funding from the LEGO Children's Fund grant may not be used to buy the company's products.