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Early Learning
Topic

Preschool

Preschool is any program designed to help 3- and 4-year-old children develop social, emotional and academic skills. Research shows that high-quality preschool programs can have a long-lasting positive effect. There’s an ongoing debate about whether large public programs can achieve the quality necessary to have a similar impact.
January 10, 2020

California governor wants to expand preschool and create new early child development department

By 2021, 20,000 more low-income 4-year-olds could enroll in preschool.

Zaidee Stavely
January 7, 2020

Big promises for little kids: Has California governor delivered on early education?

The early childhood workforce is one area where some experts believe Newsom and the Legislature have fallen short.

Zaidee Stavely
December 17, 2019

As California launches preschool expansion, federal government seeks to limit data

It could soon get harder to find out how many preschoolers were suspended more than once or how many young children had access to preschool.

Zaidee Stavely
December 11, 2019

California parents, preschool teachers learn to teach math through children’s books

A series of activities designed to teach math concepts inspired by children’s books is being piloted as part of a statewide early math initiative.

Zaidee Stavely
November 25, 2019

Parents, other experts named to guide California’s early education reforms

Parents and family child care providers are among the experts who will guide California’s efforts to expand and improve early childhood education in the state.

Zaidee Stavely
October 7, 2019

California needs a master plan for early childhood

Advocates agree with governor's call for more planning before new early childhood funds are spent.

Patricia Lozano, Mayra E. Alvarez and Scott Moore
October 3, 2019

Child care providers in California learn how to help children who have experienced trauma

The classes are part of a state program to help children in foster care find and enroll in child care programs.

Zaidee Stavely
September 3, 2019

Homeless California families get help finding child care

Child care can change the lives of homeless children and their parents. Two counties are trying to help enroll them in free programs.

Zaidee Stavely
August 9, 2019

Child care providers push California to boost pay for early education teachers

Legislation could increase teacher pay at subsidized centers serving low-income children.

Zaidee Stavely
August 8, 2019

California’s big spending push for children could have national impact

California's size and diversity make universal preschool or extended paid leave a feat in some ways comparable to a national effort.

Zaidee Stavely
June 12, 2019

California’s budget deal takes a step toward universal preschool

Under the agreement, all 4-year-olds living in low-income neighborhoods would be eligible for state-subsidized preschool, with priority for low-income children first.

Zaidee Stavely
May 29, 2019

Obstacles deter many California child care providers from building, expanding facilities

Proposals by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators would provide financial aid and ease the permitting process.

Zaidee Stavely
May 10, 2019

Teacher shortage, early education targeted in Gov. Newsom’s California budget revision

Newsom proposes funding for subsidized childcare, disabled students and a loan program for special education, math and science teachers.

John Fensterwald
April 29, 2019

Bolstering California’s increased focus on early childhood, statewide commission releases final recommendations

The report sets a long-term goal of preschool for all children, regardless of income, but focuses on expanding access first to children in low-income families.

Zaidee Stavely
April 27, 2019

Statewide survey: most Californians support teacher strikes for higher pay

Public Policy Institute asked about some of the most hotly debated issues in its annual Californians and Education statewide survey.

Diana Lambert