CFT releases new Early Childhood pamphlet, fact sheets

Download pamphlet (English version) (Spanish version)

Download fact sheets (English version) (Spanish version)

CFT Calls for Investment in

Early Childhood Education Workforce 

RAND Study Confirms Value of Quality Preschool 

Oakland, CA – The California Federation of Teachers (CFT) today released Expanding Access to Quality Preschool: Investing in Our Children’s Success. Drawing on data from the RAND Corporation’s 2007-08 California Preschool Study, the 12-page booklet provides an overview of the many challenges faced by California’s center-based child development system. 

The CFT booklet argues that if we are to make progress in significantly boosting the quality of California’s preschools and in closing the state’s achievement gap, then it is critical that early childhood education programs employ well-trained teachers who are responsive to children’s developmental needs. 

CFT President Marty Hittelman said: “Focusing our limited dollars on California’s early childhood education workforce is a smart investment in our State’s future that can help improve our entire academic system.” 

Several well-designed studies show high-quality preschool programs serving children one or two years before kindergarten can improve school readiness and raise performance on academic achievement tests in the early elementary grades through middle school. Yet, in California just 36 percent of preschool-age children in center-based settings have a lead teacher with a postsecondary degree in the early childhood field at the associate level or higher. 

“Quality care and education for California’s children is paramount to the CFT, said Sandra Weese, CFT’s Early Childhood Education Organizing Director. “The CFT is working to provide each child with knowledgeable well-compensated program staff and educators as they work to move California to a place where all preschool-aged children have equal access to a safe, high quality early childhood program,” Weese added. 

To inquire about the study, contact Sandra Weese 510/220-3178.  Read more about the California Preschool Study and related items of interest by visiting RAND or Preschool California.