(SACRAMENTO, CA)- The Assembly Committee on Education passed Assembly Bill (AB) 2660, The Quality Early Education and Development Act of 2016 (McCarty, D-Sacramento) today, on a bipartisan vote of 7 to 0. The Quality Early Education and Development Act requires the California Department of Education (CDE), in consultation with the State Board of Education and the State Advisory Council on Early Learning and Care, prepare and submit a multi-year plan to the Legislature and the Department of Finance by January 1, 2018, to provide access to a minimum of one year of a high quality early childhood education program for all low-income children.
“A powerful body of research shows that investing in quality pre-kindergarten programs provides kids with a strong start to academic success,” said Assemblymember McCarty. “It is our responsibility to learn from the research findings and invest in our children’s education. Through education we will create a stronger more competitive California.”
A key element of this legislation is to create prekindergarten access for students who are statistically prone to have greater barriers navigating the education system. “I applaud the Assembly Education Committee for voting for AB 2660 to support a high-quality start for young children,” said Deborah Kong, president of Early Edge California. “This bill directly addresses our children’s unmet need for high-quality preschool and clears a path to success in school.”
The Assembly Education committee also passed AB 2353 Culturally Responsive Instruction (McCarty) on consent. AB 2353 will require the CDE to include curriculum for culturally responsive instruction as a requirement to receive their teaching credential and/or part of their continuing education requirement.
“Our teachers need to understand the various cultural norms in order to better serve our student population,” said Assemblymember McCarty.
CONTACT: Arwen Chenery, (916) 319-2007