Whereas, the first 3 years of a child’s life are the most formative years in a child’s education and continues until the age of 8, and
Whereas, during this period relationships, experiences, and environment all influence brain development and build the foundation for lifelong learning skills and have impacts on a child’s development can last a lifetime, and
Whereas, identifying the special needs of children as early as possible from birth through 8 years of age is equally critical for the development of a child’s lifelong learning experience, and
Whereas, children need to receive adequate services to be successful in the classroom environment, and in life.
Whereas, supportive services such as Early Intervention leads to special needs being immediately identified, so their social-emotional development can be supported throughout their educational learning experience.
Whereas, with the advent of Universal TK in California, the ability to maintain the high-quality mixed delivery ECE systems serving PK students has been impacted. Now both systems serve the same aged children.
Whereas, the child development programs in California are experiencing declining enrollment because of our new Universal TK program and are filling the gap by enrolling younger students into programs. This has been made necessary to meet the contractual obligations that each district has with the State of California.
Whereas, the mandated teacher-child ratio is being compromised, younger children are being enrolled in programs with ratios designed for older children.
Therefore, be it resolved, that the CFT supports the need for developing clear, concise, and inclusive set of guidelines, as well as best practices by advocating for developmentally appropriate class sizes and adult-child ratios, including our children with special needs/ inclusion students, as mandated by new California regulations;
Be it finally resolved, that the CFT support and advocate for the coordination of best practices, guidelines, developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum, and assessment tools for all of the mixed delivery systems that serve our youngest children in the State of California.

Submitted by Early Childhood Education Committee