COUNCIL’S ADVOCACY PAYS OFF FOR CA’S YOUNGEST LEARNERS

California will make an important investment in its economic future under a $115.4 billion budget that includes significant funding to expand access to vital early education and child care services for thousands of the state’s youngest and neediest learners. The Legislature was expected to OK the budget today (June 19). The budget will invest $265 million in creating almost 14,000 new pre-school and child care slots for low-income families. Along with many partners statewide, the Bay Area Council over the past several months has advocated vigorously for the Legislature and Gov. Brown to include increased investment in expanding early childhood education. Early childhood education has been among the Council’s signature policy areas. The research and science are unequivocal that investment in 0-5 year old learners is far and away the most cost-effective way to boost academic and career success of students and avoids a raft of budget-draining social, educational, economic and criminal costs. To engage in our early childhood education work, contact Senior Vice President Matt Regan.