HELENA (AP) -- Montana is one of three states that has received a $50,000 grant from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices to develop programs to help make sure children are ready for school.

New Jersey and South Carolina also received grants.

A committee comprised of early childhood experts and national policy organization representatives selected the three winners based upon the state's proposed agenda for building an early childhood system and demonstrated commitment by the state's governors.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer said the money would be used in Montana to start an early childhood education program he's calling ''Best Beginnings.''

''We will use these dollars to work with community and education leaders across the state to try to help us develop and formulate a comprehensive plan for Best Beginnings,'' Schweitzer said Wednesday afternoon.

He said the $50,000 wouldn't put teachers in the classrooms, but it would help the state develop a strategy.

''The research has shown nationwide, in fact worldwide, that the earlier you start with children the more successful they will be in school,'' Schweitzer said.

He said children from lower socio-economic groups that go into first grade without reading skills, and knowing their numbers, colors and vocabulary would particularly benefit from an early education program.