A System in Jeopardy: California’s Early Learning System and its Dual Language Learners During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A New Research Brief from Early Edge California & the American Institutes for Research (AIR)
Our new research brief written in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early learning and care programs in California and the dual language learners (DLLs) they serve. This brief builds on our initial findings reported from focus groups with early learning and care providers released in June.
A System in Jeopardy: California’s Early Learning System and its Dual Language Learners During the COVID-19 Pandemic presents findings from a survey of a representative sample of early learning and care programs across the state. The findings reveal major shifts in program operations and sustainability due to COVID-19, with many programs closing or facing reduced enrollment and financial challenges. Results also highlight the ways in which DLLs have been disproportionately left out of care during the pandemic—a significant concern given how much they benefit from early learning experiences. In addition, we describe programs’ urgent needs for funding, health and safety resources, and guidance in order to reopen and/or sustain services going forward.