Assemblyman Kevin McCarty introduced three bills supporting the California State Preschool Program on Monday.
AB 123 would expand the California State Preschool Program to include 4-year-old’s who live in school attendance areas where 70% or more of the children are enrolled in free or reduced-lunch programs. The bill also aims to offer preschool classes for 3-year-old children who live in poverty.
Assemblymember McCarty cited a September report “Getting Down to Facts II” which stated, “California’s children are behind before they enter Kindergarten. The system needs a continued focus on closing achievement gaps through multiple approaches including enhanced early childhood education.”