West Hartford - Gov. Dannel P. Malloy proposed a $12 million investment Thursday to improve and expand access to state preschool programs, an area he has identified as a priority for the upcoming legislative session that he wants to see focused largely on education reform.

Speaking at a school playground in West Hartford, Malloy said the money would create more opportunities for early education, boost professional development and establish a system allowing parents to access information on varying programs.

"All students deserve a high quality education," Malloy said during the news conference. "Today I'm proud to announce that the state has made (early childhood education) a priority in tough times, yet again."

Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor said the proposed funding could provide as many as 500 preschool children with early childhood opportunities. He said the funding would go toward high-need areas identified by a state Department of Education survey.

The proposal includes $3 million for the professional development of teachers and care providers. Malloy said partnerships will also be encouraged between early childhood centers and high schools and colleges.

Another $5 million is to be invested in the creation of a statewide rating and improvement system. This system, Malloy said, will help to establish a standard of excellence by informing parents on early childhood education programs.

Malloy announced the details of his proposal after touring the School for Young Children at St. Joseph's College in West Hartford, where he met with school administrators and young students. He said the school is an example of an early childhood center that has evolved to provide quality care to its students.

School director Diane Morton said her center has lost funding over the past decade, forcing them to cut in half the number of openings for low-income children. Malloy's funding proposal would help schools like Morton's enroll more low-income children.

Connecticut lost out on its bid for a $50 million "Race to the Top" federal grant last year. State officials have said that will not derail their plans to improve preschool programs and overhaul the way they are rated.