Universal Prekindergarten Expansion in California: Progress and Opportunities
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| Title: | Universal Prekindergarten Expansion in California: Progress and Opportunities |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Victoria Wang, Melanie Leung-Gagné, Hanna Melnick, Marjorie E. Wechsler, Learning Policy Institute |
| Source: | Learning Policy Institute. 2024. |
| Availability: | Learning Policy Institute. 1530 Page Mill Road Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94304. Tel: 650-332-9797; e-mail: info@learningpolicyinstitute.org; Web site: https://learningpolicyinstitute.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 41 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Ballmer Group Heising-Simons Foundation |
| Intended Audience: | Policymakers; Practitioners |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education Preschool Education Elementary Education Kindergarten Primary Education |
| Descriptors: | Preschool Education, Access to Education, Early Intervention, Educational Finance, Grants, Program Implementation, Program Effectiveness, Services, Resources, Barriers, Technical Assistance, School Districts, Transitional Programs, Kindergarten, School Schedules, Educational Facilities, Student Transportation, Curriculum, Evaluation Methods, Social Emotional Learning, Bilingual Students, English Language Learners, Students with Disabilities, Hygiene, School Personnel, Labor Force Development, Professional Development |
| Geographic Terms: | California |
| Abstract: | In 2021, California committed to providing universal prekindergarten (UPK) for all 4-year-olds and expanding access for income-eligible 3-year-olds by 2025-2026. California UPK includes several early learning programs, including transitional kindergarten (TK), the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), Head Start, and locally funded early learning programs. To support UPK expansion, California's legislature and administration established the Universal Prekindergarten Planning and Implementation Grant in 2021, which allocated $200 million to all local education agencies (LEAs) serving kindergarteners, which include school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education. The California Department of Education surveyed all grant recipients in August 2023 about their UPK programs. This report provides an update on UPK implementation across the state through an analysis of survey responses from 1,384 LEAs, which represent almost all (95%) public school districts and two thirds (65%) of charter schools that serve elementary grades. Findings provide insights into LEAs' progress in UPK implementation related to service delivery models, facilities and transportation, instruction and assessment, strategies to support student needs, workforce development, implementation challenges, and technical assistance needs. In addition to statewide insights, the survey revealed promising practices and wide access with UPK expansion in California's four largest districts during their first year of implementation. The findings in this report may help policymakers and practitioners identify areas for additional investments and supports. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | ED658735 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | In 2021, California committed to providing universal prekindergarten (UPK) for all 4-year-olds and expanding access for income-eligible 3-year-olds by 2025-2026. California UPK includes several early learning programs, including transitional kindergarten (TK), the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), Head Start, and locally funded early learning programs. To support UPK expansion, California's legislature and administration established the Universal Prekindergarten Planning and Implementation Grant in 2021, which allocated $200 million to all local education agencies (LEAs) serving kindergarteners, which include school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education. The California Department of Education surveyed all grant recipients in August 2023 about their UPK programs. This report provides an update on UPK implementation across the state through an analysis of survey responses from 1,384 LEAs, which represent almost all (95%) public school districts and two thirds (65%) of charter schools that serve elementary grades. Findings provide insights into LEAs' progress in UPK implementation related to service delivery models, facilities and transportation, instruction and assessment, strategies to support student needs, workforce development, implementation challenges, and technical assistance needs. In addition to statewide insights, the survey revealed promising practices and wide access with UPK expansion in California's four largest districts during their first year of implementation. The findings in this report may help policymakers and practitioners identify areas for additional investments and supports. |
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