Researchers say the greatest need in low-income communities is for programs serving children under 5 years old, such as preschool and transitional kindergarten.
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.
Establishing one lead agency will help coordinate the state's often confusing array of child care and preschool programs, researchers say in a new report examining California's early childhood education system.
Across the state, a growing number of elementary schools are hosting math nights and festivals for students and families to show that math is fun and can be practiced every day -- and not only in the classroom.
Researchers found kindergartners who had attended transitional kindergarten are better prepared than those who had attended preschool or had not been in a formal preschool program.
English learners who attend transitional kindergarten enter kindergarten with stronger literacy and math skills, according to a recent American Institutes for Research study.
The “transitional kindergarten” program is for 4-year-olds who turn 5 after Sept. 1, the cutoff date for enrolling in regular kindergarten, and before Dec. 3. Some districts enroll even younger 4-year-olds.
Only six of California's 25 largest school districts are taking advantage of a state law that allows them to enroll more 4-year-olds in a pre-kindergarten program known as “transitional kindergarten.”
