ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal says the state is expecting to receive more than $50 million in federal education grants over the next four years.

Federal officials announced Thursday that Georgia was one of six states chosen to receive a share of $280 million in government grants to improve early learning programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Deal said in a statement that increasing the percentage of students who read at grade level by the end of third grade has been one of his administration's top priorities.

Officials say the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge provides money for states to create four-year early learning agendas that strengthen existing early learning and development initiatives.