Policy Pick: Early Childhood and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

"Quality early childhood education and child care are essential for ensuring that all children...enter school ready to learn and more importantly, ready to succeed," said Sen. Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) in the hearing.  

First 5 LA's investment in preschool, Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP), has been working with California's representatives in Congress to increase the role for early learning programs in the ESEA by making three major recommendations for revisions: 

• Include a revised version of the Early Learning Challenge Fund that was proposed earlier in the year which would lead to increased quality of early learning programs.
• Maximize early learning resources by allowing states and districts to work in partnership with non-profit organizations in their communities.
• Better coordinate preschool and early elementary education throughout ESEA.

A major focus of LAUP's proposal includes ways to increase the quality of early learning systems and forge greater connections between preschool and early elementary school efforts to promote long-lasting school success for children who attend early education programs.

First 5 LA and LAUP will continue to follow the national debate to incorporate early childhood programs into the ESEA. Leaders in the House and Senate are expected to release drafts of the legislation later this year, so readers are encouraged to submit their input soon.

For further information about LAUP's recommendations to California's elected officials contact Adam Sonenshein at ASonenshein@LAUP.net.

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