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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.
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 26, 2018

Great teachers make every student feel included

A public school teacher’s job is to provide a safe, supportive learning environment for all students.

Jillayne Antoon
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
February 22, 2018

Single state agency needed to coordinate California's 'patchwork' of early childhood education programs, new report urges 

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.

Ashley Hopkinson
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
January 18, 2018

California lags behind most states in providing timely services to infants and toddlers

A new report recommends the state combine services under one agency to increase equity and reduce delays.

Ashley Hopkinson
January 10, 2018

Brown's proposed budget draws praise, disappointment from early education advocates

The proposed budget increases child care provider reimbursement rates and adds additional preschool slots.

Ashley Hopkinson
December 19, 2017

Early intervention helps boost reading skills for California children most at risk of falling behind

A program designed to improve young children’s reading skills is showing results in San Mateo County through a focus on preschools and summer learning.

Ashley Hopkinson
December 4, 2017

Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin

Transcript of an October 2017 presentation at Advancement Project California’s Birth to Five Water Cooler conference in Sacramento.

EdSource staff