Karen D'Souza
Karen covers arts education, literacy, and early education. She is an award-winning writer who comes to EdSource after covering lifestyle, parenting, health, housing, education and the arts for the San Jose Mercury News. She is a four-time Pulitzer juror and her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle and Seattle Times. She has an MA in journalism and a BA in political science and dramatic art from UC Berkeley.
All articles by Karen D'Souza
What parents and teachers need to know about universal transitional kindergarten | Quick Guide
Universal transitional kindergarten will essentially become California’s version of a universal preschool program, available to all 4-year-olds regardless of income.
Karen D'Souza
October 13, 2021
Will Biden's reconciliation bill transform early childhood education?
If these sweeping proposals are enacted, they would overhaul the nation’s child care system to make it more accessible and affordable.
Karen D'Souza
September 30, 2021
Pandemic effects may have lowered baby IQs, study says
New research says less stimulation, stress on parents during Covid pandemic may factor into average 22-point IQ drop among babies.
Karen D'Souza
September 17, 2021
Should all school districts be required to offer transitional kindergarten?
Parent advocates: Early-education programs such as transitional kindergarten can shrink the California achievement gap.
Karen D'Souza
September 1, 2021
What impact will the pandemic have on early literacy?
Experts share insights on how parents and teachers can help kids — especially those who may be behind — learn to read as they go back to school.
Karen D'Souza
August 18, 2021
How going remote led to dramatic drops in public school students
Kindergarten students nationwide and in California became the biggest group to opt out of remote-only schooling during the pandemic.
Karen D'Souza And Daniel J. Willis
August 7, 2021
If you feel your child is not ready for first grade due to the pandemic
A new state law addresses the reality this fall for many families: Their child missed kindergarten because of the pandemic. Should they move on to first grade? Parents are entitled to information on the pros and cons.
Karen D'Souza
August 7, 2021
How California’s new universal transitional kindergarten program will be rolled out
Experts say making a year of pre-kindergarten available to all 4-year-olds is a watershed achievement in the early education space.
Karen D'Souza
July 12, 2021
Why some early childhood advocates want more transitional kindergarten choices
A California TK proposal would gradually open the program to all 4-year-olds amid evidence that early learning shapes the adult brain.
Karen D'Souza
June 17, 2021
More help for struggling California child care sector
In the wake of the pandemic, child care providers have emerged as the backbone of the state’s economic recovery.
Karen D'Souza
June 2, 2021
How parents can prepare kids for 1st grade post-pandemic
With distance learning struggles, it’s likely children might need to play catch-up this summer before heading into 1st grade in the fall.
Karen D'Souza
May 25, 2021
Should California offer transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds?
Expanding TK captures the spirit of the Master Plan for Early Learning and Care and aligns with Biden’s campaign for universal preschool.
Karen D'Souza
May 13, 2021
Biden's plan for families could bolster California's push for early education, care
This roughly $1.8 trillion package sets aside big money for key early childhood initiatives as part of its vast cradle-to-college agenda.
Karen D'Souza
April 28, 2021
What President Biden's recovery plan for families means for California's children
The proposed legislation to champion childhood comes at a time when the pandemic has widened the gap between the rich and the poor.
Karen D'Souza
April 27, 2021
Missing kindergartners drive largest drop in 20 years in California's K-12 enrollment
Causes for the slide in enrollment are myriad, complicated by existing trends including declining birthrates and people's continued exodus from the state, as well as the sudden economic chaos wrought by the pandemic.