Maine is one of about 30 states competing for a slice of $500 million in federal funds set aside in the "Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge." The "Race to the Top" program is an Obama Administration initiative that encourages states to innovate in education by competing for federal funds.

The Maine Department of Education and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services submitted a joint application this week for $32.2 million. The 164-page proposal calls for a public report card system about the quality of available early learning programs in the state. The Maine program would cost $39.1 million in total and existing state and federal funds would make up the remaining costs.

“The research proves that children who gain a solid educational foundation in the first five years of life are significantly more likely to be successful in school,” said Maine Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen. “This application builds on Maine’s already strong foundation and investments in early childhood education so we can accelerate the improvements we know we need in this state.”

Some of the resources will also help train early childhood teachers.

Photo from Maine's Race to the Top -- Early Learning Challenge page.