More than ever before, Californians recognize that preschool provides young children with a strong start in school and life. Research confirms that effective preschool not only prepares children for kindergarten, but benefits them in the long-term. Despite the benefits, only 48% of 3- and 4-year-old children attend preschool in California. While…

Tens of thousands of California's 4-year-olds are not enrolled in preschool, ranking California 37th in the nation in preschool enrollment. Pioneering communities throughout the state are working to meet the demand for preschool in their neighborhoods. The achievements of these innovative local efforts indicate the future success of a statewide…

A high-quality preschool for all systems in California must be designed to meet the needs of the state's ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse child population. Of the estimated 1.1 million children who are 3- to 5-years-old and not yet in kindergarten, about 39 percent would most likely be designated as English language learners…