Early Learning

August 9, 2018

Baby and toddler storytime can create a lifetime love of reading

Local libraries help parents to learn early literacy skills through storytime. Children's librarians say storytime is one of the best ways to cultivate a young child's interest in books and encourage lifelong reading.

Ashley Hopkinson

July 31, 2018

Q&A: Making playgrounds fully accessible for all kids

Olenka Villarreal is the founder and executive director of Magical Bridge Foundation, which creates inclusive playgrounds that everyone can use, including young people with disabilities.

Erin Brownfield

June 14, 2018

California budget includes increase for infant and toddler care but not enough to meet demand

The budget will fund the creation of 13,407 new child care slots for low-income families.

Ashley Hopkinson

June 12, 2018

Many teachers favor a more integrated early education system, national survey finds

A national survey reveals that many teachers support a unified preschool and K-3 system and also believe higher wages and professional preparation are key to keeping teachers in the classroom.

Ashley Hopkinson

May 30, 2018

California governor’s race: Dems agree on child care, higher spending; differ on districts rejecting charters based on financial impact

The candidates differ on how they would work toward their goals to improve education in California.

Nico Savidge

May 15, 2018

More states expanding preschool programs but quality still lags

In a national report that measures access, quality and investment in public preschool programs, California ranks high for the number of 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds enrolled in programs, but low on quality standards.

Ashley Hopkinson

April 18, 2018

California to get huge boost in child care funds from federal budget

There will be nearly a $2.4 billion increase in funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program.

Louis Freedberg

April 12, 2018

Campaign underway in California to elect a 'children's governor'

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation-initiated campaign hopes the next governor will focus on children beginning at birth, and implement child-friendly programs within the first 100 days.

Louis Freedberg

April 5, 2018

Unlike California, many states have umbrella agency for early childhood programs

California could learn from the experience of other states that have established separate departments or divisions to oversee early childhood programs.

Louis Freedberg

April 4, 2018

Facing unprepared kindergartners, a rural school district restores preschool for all

This school year the Lindsay Unified School District, in a small farming community in Tulare County, implemented universal preschool, meaning every child from birth to 4 years old, regardless of family income, can attend a program in the district for free.

Ashley Hopkinson

March 25, 2018

Measures to fund child care reach the ballot in two California counties

New taxes would subsidize child care for low- and middle-income families.

Carolyn Jones

March 22, 2018

With increased focus on students' social and emotional skills, teachers turn to class pets to help lead the way

In some schools, class pets do more than help children learn about animals. They are also being integrated into teachers' efforts to help young students learn social and emotional skills, such as self-awareness, responsibility and empathy.

Ashley Hopkinson

March 8, 2018

There are many benefits to starting science education early — very early

Report finds that even infants can learn abstract scientific concepts, and starting early can help them with science later on.

Carolyn Jones

January 25, 2018

Early Head Start partners with local child care providers to serve more infants, toddlers in Los Angeles County 

A federal-to-local grant program, Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships, will provide child care and family support services to 122 children in 'high needs' areas of Los Angeles County.

Ashley Hopkinson

January 21, 2018

New science standards a boon for the littlest learners

Hands-on science projects emphasized in California's new science standards are a hit with K-2 students, teachers say.

Carolyn Jones