When Governor Newsome proposed to expand the current transitional kindergarten to children as young as 48 months old, the proposal was and has been met with dismay from the early education field. This may be surprising to some (but probably not you) because the intention is to provide access to early education for everyone - this is something advocates have been working toward.
However, the proposal doesn't include a mixed delivery system. Mixed delivery is when the parent can choose the preschool setting. They could choose a family child care provider or a child care center. With this proposal only school districts would be providing the preschool experience which is less than ideal for a myriad of reasons. Not good for the children. Not good for the child care businesses that provide the care.
Take a look at this op-ed "Transitional Kindergarten for All Would Hurt Early Education Providers," By the Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC). ECEC is also encouraging everyone to contact their state legislators and tell them - this doesn't work for anyone! Here is a social media toolkit you can use.
I also wonder, how would this impact the Child and Adult Care Food Program? The role of the CACFP Sponsor, the role and administration of CACFP in school districts serving young children meals for young children and what else? Let's start a conversation! Leave comments below.
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The CACFP Roundtable is committed to fostering a community of leaders who work together to build equitable access to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and nutritious meals in care settings. Your support goes toward programs and advocacy that help us get closer to ensuring everyone has the right to nutritious meals and making the CACFP an even better Food Program for all.