Preschool

Preschool For All

Last Updated Nov 20, 2008 04:36 PM

Background
There is a growing recognition in California and across the nation of the importance of high-quality preschool in preparing children for success in school and in closing the achievement gap. The achievement gap seen in elementary school that increases in kindergarten and beyond traces back to the young children who come to school unprepared for the expectations of our educational system. More consideration is being given to preparing children for school as educators strive to meet the high expectations of California 's educational reform efforts.

Three major trends have recently focused public attention on the value of children's preschool education: (1) the unprecedented labor force participation of women with young children, which is creating a pressing demand for child care; (2) an emerging consensus among professionals and, to an even greater extent, among parents that young children should be provided with educational experiences; and (3) the accumulation of convincing evidence from research that young children are more capable learners than current practices reflect and that good education experiences in the preschool years can have a positive impact on school learning.1

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