Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1103796
Gov. Newsom's Proposed ECE Budget U N I V E R S A L P R E S C H O O L will soon become a reality in California, with Gov. Newsom proposing a $1.8 billion investment to provide all children with early learning resources and services. A breakdown of the proposal: Newsom proposes increasing full-day, full-year access to the existing state preschool program for all low- income 4-year-olds, with a goal of 200,000 preschool slots by 2021-22. To extend preschool access to all California kids in three years, he proposes funding this year to develop a long-term plan, including strategies to address facility capacity, trained educators/ESPs, and revenue options. "The governor's commitment to universal kindergarten and preschool is how we give all kids an equal start," says CTA President Eric Heins. "As educators, we know early childhood education gives kids the start they need and improves learning as they advance in school." See details at ebudget.ca.gov. The plan to invest $1.8 billion in preschool for all means that districts statewide will soon look like Lindsay. Early childhood health & wellness: $123 million Developing plan to provide universal preschool in California: $10 million One-time funding for child care facilities: $245 million Professional development for child care workers: $245 million One-time funding for full-day kindergarten facilities: $750 million Subsidy for part-day state preschool programs at non- LEA facilities: $297 million Full-day, full-year access to state preschool for all low-income 4-year- olds: $125 million 31 A P R I L / M AY 2 019