Wareham Public Schools received $50,000 as part of a recent round of state grants to expand access to affordable high-quality preschool through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative. The grants totaled $3.4 million, and were given to 16 school districts, nine currently participating and seven newly participating districts. 

Wareham is participating for the first time in the Initiative. First time recipients receive $50,000 to build partnerships with local community-based early education and care programs, to develop a leadership team, to conduct a needs assessment and to draft a strategic plan. 

Districts that have completed this preliminary stage can receive a higher amount of funding in later grant cycles to develop or update a strategic plan and begin early implementation. 

“We know that the high cost of child care is holding back our families, providers and our economy,” said Governor Maura Healey.