Early Edge California Commends Governor Newsom and State Leaders for Prioritizing Funding for Early Learning in 2022-23 State Budget
Advocates Applaud Focus on Dual Language Learning, Universal Preschool, and Helping Students with Disabilities
Los Angeles, CA – Today leading Early Learning education advocate Patricia Lozano, Executive Director of Early Edge California, released the following statement about Governor Gavin Newsom prioritizing young learners in the California 2022-23 State Budget:
“Governor Newsom continues to be a champion for our youngest learners and their families, providing resources for key priorities like dual language learning, Universal Preschool, and supporting children who have special needs,” said Lozano.
“With 60% of California children living in homes where multiple languages are spoken, it is critical to provide them with the resources they need to learn and succeed. With these continued investments in our state budget, we’re setting the foundation for a child’s lifetime of learning,” Lozano added.
Lozano also expressed support for the Governor’s approach to implementing Universal Preschool for California’s youngest learners: “We commend Governor Newsom and the Legislature for following through on the promise to provide Universal Preschool to all 4-year-olds in the state of California through the expansion of Transitional Kindergarten by providing the funding needed for implementation of the plan in our state budget. Furthering that commitment, State Preschool providers that have served all eligible three- and four-year-olds in their service will be allowed to serve two-year-old children. We are also glad to see that the Governor is fulfilling the commitments he made in last year’s budget for subsidized child care slots and reimbursement rates. Early Edge will continue to work with the Administration and the Legislature to ensure that the Early Learning and Care workforce, which has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, is provided with the critical resources necessary to strengthen our mixed-delivery system and support career pathways into this field.”
Parents agree that early education sets the foundation for a child’s entire academic career: According to a poll released by PPIC, 8 in 10 California adults say attending preschool is very or somewhat important to student success in K–12 education.
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Early Edge California is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to improving access to high-quality Early Learning experiences for all California children so they can have a strong foundation for future success.