Early Edge Co-hosts Legislative Briefing with LPI and ACSA About California Universal Prekindergarten (UPK)
Hosted by the Learning Policy Institute (LPI), the Association for California School Administrators (ACSA), and Early Edge California
As California works towards its ambitious goal of fully implementing Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) to all 4-year-olds and income-eligible 3-year-olds by 2025-2026, the Learning Policy Institute (LPI), the Association for California School Administrators (ACSA), and Early Edge California hosted a briefing to review the progress that has been made and what lies ahead. The event offered an opportunity to share research, celebrate achievements, and identify remaining challenges and additional supports needed as the state works toward a more equitable early learning system.
The briefing opened with welcoming remarks from Hanna Melnick, Senior Policy Advisor and Director of Early Learning Policy at LPI, who set the stage for the day’s discussions and shared the event’s purpose: to inform, inspire, and strengthen support for California’s UPK expansion. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (District 66) offered remarks, affirming the state’s ongoing commitment to UPK implementation, with proposed 2025 investments of $4 billion. Lisette Frausto of Kidango then shared her personal journey as a parent in finding high-quality Early Learning and Care opportunities for her own children and the challenges she faced.
A main component was LPI’s presentation on how UPK is being implemented and what drives family decision making on enrollment. The research provided more context on how enrollment changes over time, the types of programs families are opting for, and what drives those decisions. The findings highlighted the ongoing need for investment in dual language programs and family engagement, ensuring that families have access to the information and resources necessary to select programs that best meet their needs.
Following LPI’s research presentation, Patricia Lozano, Executive Director at Early Edge California moderated a panel of early learning educators and leaders. Panelists included:
- Dr. Dianna J. Ballesteros, Director of Early Learning, Alum Rock Union School District
- Dora Jacildo, Executive Director, Child Lane
- Sonia P. Jaramillo, former Senior Director, Early Learning Program, Monterey County Office of Education
- Paula Merrigan, TK Teacher, Castro Valley Unified School District
Panelists emphasized the critical need for robust professional development and stronger support systems for early educators, highlighting staffing shortages and workforce retention as persistent challenges. They pointed to the importance of creating accessible credentialing pathways, especially for bilingual teachers. Through sharing their personal experiences, panelists shed light on both the successes of UPK implementation and the ongoing opportunities for continued investment and support.
The event concluded with remarks from Diana Vu of the Association of California School Administrators and Assemblymember Corey Jackson (District 60), who both affirmed the importance of sustaining the momentum of UPK expansion.
For resources shared during the briefing, please visit the events page.
