Studies show that children who attend quality preschool read earlier and learn faster. Unfortunately, only about 20 percent of California children ever get the opportunity to go.
If Proposition 82 on the June ballot wins voter approval, those odds will change. The measure will provide a free, high-quality preschool education for every 4-year-old whose parents wish to take advantage of the opportunity.
Prop. 82 will strengthen public education by putting credentialed teachers in every preschool classroom and increasing the opportunity for teacher training. The initiative also expands opportunities for parental involvement and choice.
Ninety-five percent of California's kindergarten teachers agree that children who attend preschool come to kindergarten better prepared to learn.
Statistics show that children who attend a quality preschool are:
- More likely to read by third grade;
- More likely to stay in school until graduation;
- More likely to master vocabulary skills;
- Less likely to be held back a grade.
Children who attend a quality preschool are half as likely to become career criminals and four times less likely to ever be arrested.
The Prop. 82 preschool program would incur no cost for 99.4 percent of taxpayers. It's funded with a 1.7 percent tax on income over $400,000 for individuals and over $800,000 for couples.
Strict accountability measures ensure that all receipts will be dedicated to the preschool program. Independent audits are required annually. Criminal penalties including jail time will be exacted for misuse of funds.
The preschool initiative is written so as to ensure that it does not infringe upon Proposition 98 funding guarantees for public education.
Provisions requiring all preschool teachers to have a bachelor's degree and an early learning credential will be phased in over a 10-year period.
In short, Prop. 82 will provide trained, credentialed teachers in every classroom, encourage parental involvement, hold administrators to strict accountability standards, and make sure every dollar goes where it's intended.
For more information on Prop. 82, visit the campaign's website www.yeson82.com.
