$250,000 awarded to Kennett Consolidated School District

Will be used to support full-day kindergarten programs

KENNETT SQUARE, Oct. 28 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced Kennett Consolidated School District has been awarded $250,000 in Ready-to-Learn Block Grant funding.

The funding will be used to support full-day kindergarten in the school district. KCSD administrators said the district will align their curriculum at the kindergarten center with local Pre-K Counts centers to ensure an exceptional transition experience for kids entering the district.

 “I am pleased to see this funding awarded to the Kennett Consolidated School District,” said Sappey. “According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, children in high-quality full-day kindergarten programs often have better long-term educational outcomes. Full-day kindergarten also supports working parents by reducing the cost of child care.”

“Great school systems are like quality buildings– every long-lasting one has a strong foundation. The Ready-to-Learn Grant has provided KCSD essential support in building that for our students,” Kennett Consolidated School District Superintendent Dr. Dusty Blakey said. “As a community, the best investment we can make is in early childhood education. Our full-day kindergarten program, made possible through Ready-to-Learn funding, increases academic achievement, teaches social skills and provides access to services, leveling the playing field for all regardless of their beginnings.”

Ready-to-Learn Block Grants, funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, can be used for full-day kindergarten or Pre-K programs; reducing class sizes kindergarten through third grade; providing tutoring assistance; increasing career awareness programs and more.

The competitive Ready-to-Learn Block Grant program utilizes funds from this year’s bipartisan state budget passed in July.