Pleasantville Community School District and Prairie City Monroe Community School District were two of 16 schools statewide to be awarded competitive planning grants of up to $10,000. The BELIEF grant, administered by the Iowa Department of Education, allows public school districts to explore the development of blending childcare and quality early learning programs in their communities. The grant can be used to cover any costs associated with training, planning, or substitute teachers for these programs. 

The BELIEF grants are supported by the Iowa Department of Education’s portion of funds received through President Biden’s American Rescue Plan of 2021.