Statewide Conference: Development Of Early Childhood Public Preschool Programs

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 94
POLICY CODE: IKF

TO: Superintendents of Schools, CDS Site Directors
FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner
DATE: April 22, 2009
RE: Statewide Conference: Development of Early Childhood Public Preschool Programs

The purpose of this letter is to invite school administrative unit personnel and Child Development Services regional site directors to a statewide conference on May 4, 2009 from 1-4 PM at the Florian Center, Commerce Center , Augusta. Directions to the Center are below. This conference will provide participants with an opportunity to:

Develop an understanding of the national perspective on early childhood education initiatives
Examine Maine models of public preschool delivery
Review ARRA specific information about funds that can be used for the development of early childhood programs
Review the application process for implementation of public preschool programs
Examine collaboration models at both the national and local levels
Learn about the Maine Department of Education’s plans to facilitate and support this work through collaboration coaches.

Directions to Florian Hall in the Commerce Center

FROM POINTS SOUTH: Take Interstate 95 North to Exit 112 B. Proceed North on Civic Center Drive (Routes 11, 27 and 8) for approximately 1 ¼ miles. Just after the DHHS building, turn left at Commerce Drive/Central Maine Commerce Center.

FROM POINTS NORTH: Take Interstate 95 South to Exit 112. Turn right off the ramp. Proceed North on Civic Center Drive (Routes 11, 27 and 8) for approximately 1 ¼ miles. Just after the DHHS building, turn left at Commerce Drive/Central Maine Commerce Center.

For Florian Hall: Park in front of the building and enter the door marked Public Safety. Florian Hall is ahead on your left.

If you have any questions, please contact the following Department staff: Janine Blatt, janine.blatt@maine.gov, 624-6632 Jaci Holmes, jaci.holmes@maine.gov, 624-6669