ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The University of Georgia has received a $1.23 million grant to help grow its program for teachers wanting to go into early education.

The grant will expand the Birth through Five undergraduate program established by professor Cynthia Vail in 2008. The program focuses on preparing quality teachers to work with infants, toddlers and young children.

The grant will help beef up the number of students focusing on young special education students. Over five years, the program will help support 47 students who commit to working two to four years in programs for high-needs children in Clarke and Madison county schools.