January 18, 2019

This week Louis and John discuss the dramatic plans for early childhood development and education that Gov. Gavin Newsom presented in his initial budget this month.

They interview EdSource early education reporter Zaidee Stavely and Erin Gabel, deputy director of the state commission First 5 California, about Newsom’s proposals. These include phasing in full-day preschool for all low-income 4-year-olds and full-day kindergarten for those districts that don’t offer it already; expanding family home visits by nurses and social workers; and establishing a 6-month leave for parents to care for newborn children.

They discuss what’s doable with a budget surplus now and what requires longer-term funding.

For background: