Current Early Childhood Education Efforts to Support Quality Care

The California Assembly Blue Ribbon Commission on Early Childhood Education is chaired by Speaker Anthony Rendon. The Commission met for the second time on July 27^th, 2017 at Cerritos College, to address Early Brain Development.  Dr. Ross Thompson, from UC Davis, talked about the critical period of brain maturation from birth through age five, and linked this to the importance of quality ECE professionals. Kristin Schumacher, from the California Budget and Policy Center gave a comprehensive overview of ECE in California. She addressed state financial investments over the last five years, numbers of children served, and children at risk. While 2017 has brought a $5M increase in funding, ECE funding is far below pre- “Great Depression” funding levels of 2008. The audience represented major stakeholders in ECE from Southern California. UCLA was represented by Jamie Zamora, government and community relations, and Dr. Helen M. Davis, Director of ECE at UCLA Extension.