While we know early childhood education sets the foundation for a child’s future success, many children still do not have access to quality care and education programs. Fortunately, our state leaders included significant early learning investments in the 2020-21 California State Budget. However, our latest research shows that only 17% of school districts that receive funding for state preschool programs outline using state funding for early learning programming in their Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs).
To help advocates and education leaders prioritize equity in early learning as they implement new programs and leverage new investments, EdTrust’s new early childhood resources provide actionable research and tangible examples.
In Six Ways School Districts Can Leverage the Local Control Funding Formula for Equity in the Early Years, we provide recommendations and examples of districts using Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) funds to increase early learning options for families of color, families facing poverty, and families of dual language learners. This actionable resource shines a light on the tangible details of how these districts are getting creative and innovative as they implement early learning programming.
Our Equity Alert: Maximizing Equity for Young Learners as California Implements Universal Transitional Kindergarten outlines ways state agencies, local school districts, and community advocates can ensure equity is prioritized as expanded transitional kindergarten programming is being designed and implemented.
