Nearly $281 million will be divided among six states in the third round of the early-learning grant program, and state leaders on both sides of the aisle said they appreciated the opportunity to compete for the funds.

The award, the third in a series of grants aimed at boosting early education programs, now brings to 20 the number of states sharing in early-education Race to the Top funds.

Republican Gov. Sam Brownback's proposal would lift a financial burden from local districts, most of which are shouldering part of the costs of offering a full-day program.

Parents and teachers can use technology in developmentally appropriate ways, according to a panel of experts gathered by Child Trends, a nonprofit research group in Bethesda, Md.

Math concepts can be supported through games and other activities that are developmentally appropriate for an early-education classroom, say those researching math learning among young children.

The current climate creates a difficult path to increased spending for early-childhood education, as lawmakers and President Barack Obama have proposed.

The Education Commission of the States compiled a list of laws enacted in 2013 to support early literacy, preschool access, teacher preparation, and program quality.

A federally-funded study showed positive results for children who participated in a 10-week curriculum featuring characters such as Curious George and Sid the Science Kid.

Despite substantial funding increases over the past six years, empty seats still remain in all but four states' Head Start programs, a new study has found.

Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, the outgoing director of the $7.6 billion Head Start program, oversaw the agency's first-ever competition for funding during her four-year tenure.