TOPIC

Early Learning

In 2012, California introduced transitional kindergarten, a new grade for older 4-year-olds. The state has begun restoring preschool and child care slots eliminated during the recession, and investing more in full-day programs. California has not adopted universal preschool for 4-year-olds as urged by President Barack Obama and implemented in some states, but is making progress to reaching that goal promoted by many advocates. There is a growing emphasis on the 0-3 years, as well as on developing systems on how to measure the quality of early education programs.

June 18, 2017

California to raise income limits to allow more children to qualify for subsidized child care

California has not increased its income eligibility limit for subsidized child care since the 2007-08 fiscal year.

Ashley Hopkinson

June 7, 2017

Through observation and play, toddlers take on science

Through a community partnership, science specialists at the Lawrence Hall of Science are bringing free, play-based science lessons to playgroups for low-income families across the Bay Area.

Ashley Hopkinson

May 31, 2017

Few programs prepared to help traumatized infants and toddlers, report finds

Despite the prevalence of childhood trauma, few early education programs are prepared to help the more than 35 million children in the country who have experienced trauma, researchers say.

Ashley Hopkinson

May 18, 2017

Transitional kindergarten helps prepare English learners for school, study finds

English learners who attend transitional kindergarten enter kindergarten with stronger literacy and math skills, according to a recent American Institutes for Research study.

Ashley Hopkinson

May 16, 2017

Gov. Brown's revised budget plan draws mixed response from early education advocates

While early education advocates say they appreciate Gov. Jerry Brown keeping last year’s promise to increase preschool funding, they lamented that the May budget revision didn’t include additional money and changes that would allow more low-income families to qualify for subsidized child care.

Ashley Hopkinson

May 9, 2017

Some smaller districts enroll younger 4-year-olds in early kindergarten

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.

Ashley Hopkinson

April 19, 2017

Majority of Californians polled favor vouchers for private schools

However, twice in the past, they overwhelmingly rejected ballot initiatives that would have allowed vouchers.

John Fensterwald

April 9, 2017

Despite law change, few districts offer early kindergarten for youngest 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.”

Ashley Hopkinson

March 30, 2017

California lags behind many other states in offering full-day kindergarten

About 70 percent of schools in California offer full-day programs.

Louis Freedberg and Susan Frey

March 28, 2017

Expanding Early Learning Time: Accessing Full-Day Preschool and Kindergarten in California

EdSource staff

March 27, 2017

California still has a way to go in offering 'full-day' preschool

A new EdSource report underscores the benefits for children of attending full-day programs.

Louis Freedberg and Susan Frey

March 23, 2017

Digital app helps to boost vocabulary of English learners in Napa preschools

In Napa County, where 87 percent of its preschoolers are English learners, the use of a digital literacy app in Spanish and English is helping to boost the vocabulary of its youngest students. Teachers use the app in all 24 preschools in the county to incorporate songs, books and games into classroom activities.

Ashley Hopkinson

March 15, 2017

New program to help aspiring early educators focus on high-needs students

Los Angeles Universal Preschool, also known as LAUP, launched a new certificate program called the "Exceptional Populations Certification" for 32 college students across LA who will gain experience working with high-needs early learners such as children who may have developmental delays or emotional and behavioral needs due to trauma.

Ashley Hopkinson

March 6, 2017

New California commission looks for long-range plan to meet child care needs

A new commission convened by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon seeks to come up with a long-range plan for early childhood education services.

Louis Freedberg

March 2, 2017

California policymakers must pay more attention to infants and toddlers, advocates say

Children Now, a child care advocacy organization based in Oakland, released a new report outlining policy guidelines for state and local leaders to improve outcomes for California's infants and toddlers, particularly those born to low-income families.