Building on his commitment to supporting the state’s young children and their families, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Dec. 1 announced the release of the Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: California for All Kids, which provides a strong research-based roadmap for building a comprehensive and equitable early learning and care system over the next decade.

The plan will help the state better understand the crisis families, children and early learning and care providers are facing amid the COVID-19 pandemic and identify key policy goals to ensure that all California children can thrive physically, emotionally and educationally in their early years through access to high-quality early learning and care programs. These goals include universal preschool, enhanced workforce development and equitable career pathways for educators and caregivers, and funding reforms to promote equitable access to high-quality early learning and care.

“Every child in California deserves a shot at opportunity,” Newsom said. “By investing in the development and learning needs of our kids, with a focus on equity, we are investing in the future of our state.”

 “The Master Plan for Early Learning and Care translates our aspirations into an actionable roadmap – one that centers on the success of our youngest Californians, their families and the communities and caregivers that lift them up,” he added.

From the start of the pandemic in March through the end of October, the Department of Social Services estimates 2,030 family child care homes and 390 child care centers have closed permanently, making it harder for families to work and care for their children. In light of this, the plan recommends the first steps seek to provide relief to parents, quality care for children and stability to child care providers as the state rebuilds an early learning and care system weakened by COVID-19. Now more than ever it is clear how important child care is to the state’s overall economic recovery.

The plan outlines specific recommendations for creating a comprehensive, family-centric system driven by equity, including unifying programs for infants and toddlers and improving access to paid family leave; providing universal preschool for all 4-year-olds and income eligible 3-year-olds and those with disabilities; prohibiting suspensions and expulsions in subsidized early learning programs, which has disproportionately impacted young Black boys; and supporting the development of dual-language learners, who represent 60% of California’s young children.

“The Master Plan for Early Learning and Care unlocks the innovative spirit of California, helping us create a comprehensive early learning and care system that produces big returns in better education, health and economic outcomes,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of California health and human services.

“Children, families, the future for our state – everyone wins when we build a California for All Kids,” he added.

For information, visit californiaforallkids.chhs.ca.gov.