Preschool

Children’s early experiences have a profound impact on their readiness for school and later academic and economic success. Research shows that quality preschool programs can improve reading and math skills, reduce grade retention and increase the likelihood that participants will graduate from high school. Economists have found that every dollar spent on preschool, saves the public $7 in future costs, including remedial education, welfare and incarceration. In spite of this research, almost half of all children in California are not enrolled in preschool programs.  There are multiple resources for K-12 school districts and COEs that would like to take an active role in expanding access to high-quality preschool for their future students.

 CSBA Preschool Guide  

School districts and county offices of education are pursuing a variety of strategies to improve K-12 readiness by expanding access to high quality preschool programs in their communities and throughout the state. Learn more, visit CSBA’s interactive preschool guide.

• Want to learn about preschool in California and your community, including funding sources, providers and local support structures? (See Chapter 3 of CSBA's interactive preschool guide)
• Curious about the nuts and bolts of expanding access to preschool, including issues such as funding, K-12 articulation, curriculum, facilities, workforce, comprehensive services and oversight? (See Chapter 5 of CSBA's interactive preschool guide)
• Want tangible strategies on how to determine your community’s preschool needs and identify local partners? (See Chapter 7 of CSBA's interactive preschool guide)
• Interested in developing or updating board policies on preschool? (See Chapter 8 of CSBA's interactive preschool guide)

Preschool forum

Visit CSBA’s preschool forum today! In order to view CSBA’s preschool forum you will first need register to obtain the login instructions. To register, please visit CSBA’s Events Calendar or, contact CSBA’s Registrar at register@csba.org

Webinars

What is a Webinar? Learn more»

• State and Federal Preschool/Early Learning Landscape (March 2009)
• Previous Webinars (4) 

 Podcasts

What is a podcast? Learn more»

• New laws aim to improve California's preschool programs
  Last year, two bills and increased federal dollars focused on improving California’s pre-kindergarten system were signed into law. Hear from leading early childhood education experts and learn the immediate and long-term impact for local districts.
• Previous podcasts (11)

Facility Resources for Preschool and Child Care

• Preschool and Child Care Facilities Webinar (February 2009)
• CSBA Preschool Guide, Chapter 5
• Additional school district facilities resources from the Low Income Investment Fund 

 Resources

• New! CSBA guide to preschool resources
• Early Learning Quality Improvement System Advisory Committee
• BP/AR 5148.3(a) Preschool/Early Childhood Education (Updated: 3/09)
• Sample RFP for LEAs: Early child care and education program request for proposal
• California Preschool Instructional Network
• CSBA Summary of the RAND Corporation's California Preschool Study
• Children Now - Kindergarten Readiness Data: Improving Children's Success in School

Related Links

• California Association for the Education of Young Children
• California County Superintendents Educational Services Association
• California Head Start Association
• California Department of Education, Child Development Division
• Children Now
• First 5 California
• Low Income Investment Fund
• Preschool California

CSBA staff contacts

Marguerite Noteware
Research Consultant

Lisa Burlison
Administrative Coordinator