Governor Gavin Newsom
State of California
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Newsom,
I am writing to applaud you for your budget proposal concerning education. As an educator and an education professional, I am privileged to see the impact that early care, health, and education programs have on young people every day.
Your proposed budget is thoughtful, realistic, and evidence-based.
The vision outlined in the proposal expanding early care, health and education programs has been a long-standing focus for the 老澳门开奖结果, our region, and elected officials. The Public Policy Institute of California reported that three-quarters of the state agree that preschool should be available to all. And, a recent poll of Santa Clara County voters shows affordable childcare and preschool is important to 74-percent.
Neuroplasticity studies show that brains develop rapidly during childhood; 90-percent of a child's brain develops before their fifth birthday. Children with access to quality care and preschool are more likely to enter school ready to learn, stay in school, and graduate on time. Considerable research shows high-quality preschool programs provide significant benefits. Spending on early development is a wise investment that reduces the future need for remedial education.
Of the $209 billion budget proposal, less than 1-percent or $1.8 billion is proposed to expand early education and childcare programs. It is a small portion of the budget but such an important investment for our children.
Increasing access to existing State Preschool Programs for all low-income four-year-olds and funding for eligible school districts to build/retrofit facilities to expand full-day Kindergarten are wise and necessary investments. In Santa Clara County, a recent study led by the County Office of Education shows facilities are one of the main barriers to expansion for all.
Many schools offer partial-day kindergarten programs, but many families are unable to enroll their children due to difficulty finding supplemental, part-time childcare. Others are unable to leave work during the day to pick up their child.
The additional funds proposed to expand subsidized childcare facilities in the state and improve education and professional development for childcare providers will ensure that every child has access to high-quality early education.
I applaud the $24 7 million in one-time funds to the California State University for childcare infrastructure on college campuses and the $10 million to develop a road map for universal preschool in California and a long-term plan to improve access to and quality of subsidized childcare.
Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and their families need different and varying programs, care, and services. Addressing gaps in access and achievement before they start is sound policy and at the heart of the proposal. Services including home visits to expectant parents with limited incomes, early developmental screenings, expanded childcare, parent and workforce training, and paid family leave are essential components to quality, comprehensive early care, health, and education.
Readiness for kindergarten is important for every family, regardless of income.
A Brookings Institution report shows that fewer than half of low-income children are kindergarten-ready and many never receive consistent services and supports to reach achievement levels of their peers. A quarter of middle- and upper-class children are not kindergarten-ready.
To meet this need, the 老澳门开奖结果 is piloting early childhood data in our county.
The 2017
Early Learning Master Plan published by the 老澳门开奖结果 found thousands of families in our region with a 3- or 4-year-old who don't have access to preschool or childcare. We know that a child's brain develops dramatically during the first five years. High-quality early learning opportunities help ensure that children can develop the cognitive and social skills necessary for successful adult life.
We have recently conducted an
Early Learning Facilities Study. We discovered that the major barriers of universal access in Santa Clara County include lack of space, issues related to finding a site, lack of funding on the local and state levels, licensing, zoning, and land use restrictions.
To meet this essential need, we have identified four major recommendations:
- Advocate for quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and early learning facility development;
- Facilitate the implementation of a countywide early learning facilities development plan;
- Offer facilities training and technical assistance to ECE providers; and
- Create and manage a local fund for awarding one-time early learning facility development grants.
The shortage of quality early learning environments affects the Silicon Valley and California workforces and is part of the affordability crisis in our county and beyond.
Every major city in Santa Clara County has an unmet need for infant and toddler care. Building the system our community deserves requires state and local policies and funding. Investment in early care and education is a smart investment for everyone.
I applaud your vision for early childhood education. Thank you for supporting our most vulnerable population.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary Ann Dewan
County Superintendent of Schools
