Title: Universal PreKindergarten: When Do Children Really Need to Begin School?

Featuring: JoAnne Lauer

Hosted by: Dominique Samario

When Do Children Really Need to Begin School? Tune in to this episode of The Torch with Dominique and our guest, JoAnne Lauer, the Assistant Superintendent of Early Education Services for the Riverside County Office of Education, as we dive into the opportunities for our youngest learners and their parents through the rollout and expansion of Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs.

To Learn More About RCOE's Early Education Services:

https://www.rcoe.us/departments/early-education-services

Chapters:

00:00 - Universal PreKindergarten: When Do Children Really Need to Begin School? (Intro)

01:46 - JoAnne Lauer's Background

03:15 - What Is Universal PreKindergarten?

05:26 - Why Were UPK Programs Enacted?

07:54 - How Schools Are Adjusting to the Expansion of UPK

09:16 - How the Educators Are Adjusting to the Expansion

11:24 - Opportunities for Parents

13:44 - Preparing Children for Kindergarten

16:47 - Ensuring Equitable Learning for Our Young Learners

18:27 - Fire Round: Q1. What Teacher or Educator Had the Greatest Impact on Your Life?

19:18 - Fire Round: Q2. What Is Your Favorite Book?

20:17 - Fire Round: Q3. Where Is Somewhere You Go That Helps You Recharge?

22:11 - Universal PreKindergarten: When Do Children Really Need to Begin School? (Outro)

The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show diving into different topics on education. From family engagement to new laws being put in that affect education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgeable in these topics.

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