Start Smart Early Childhood Initiative
In 2013, Governor Nixon announced the Start Smart early childhood education initiative, involving a collaboration between the Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to fund “bricks and mortar” and start-up costs associated with developing or expanding early childhood education facilities. More information about the program may be found at http://goo.gl/IwtLk2.
In order to assist DED in the improving the program and make additional resources available, DED is seeking information about the overall demand for additional resources to expand quality early childhood education opportunities. To facilitate this effort, please respond to the “Statement of Interest” at this link: Start Smart Statement of Interest and return it by no later than October 31, 2014 to:
Start Smart Initiative
Missouri Department of Economic Development
301 West High Street, Suite 770
Jefferson City, MO 65102
An electronic copy may be sent to dedfin@ded.mo.gov