What’s next for the new early education Master Plan?

It’s great or terrible timing for California’s new Master Plan for Early Learning and Care. The 112-page report from the Newsom administration outlines plans to expand preschool, child care and paid family leave, and boost pay and training for the early childhood workers over the next decade. Its release in the midst of a pandemic bodes poorly for big new spending next year. But, importantly, it also signals that early childhood education should be as much of a priority as the Master Plan for Higher Education was 60 years ago.

This week, we take stock of the master plan from several angles.

EdSource early education reporter Karen D’Souza provides context for the document and what might happen next.

Kim Johnson, director of California’s Department of Social Services, describes the critical and expanding role of her department in consolidating child care programs and services to make them more consistent and comprehensive. 

Marlene Zepeda, professor emeritus in the Department of Child and Family Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, explains the importance of the master plan’s recognition of the need to identify and assess dual-language learners at an early age. 

For background on these issues, check out the following:

Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: Making California for All Kids

Another step toward universal preschool in California?

Preschoolers learning English need to be identified, supported, says California’s master plan

New Master Plan for Early Learning and Care points way to California for all (commentary) 

Inside California’s new master plan to reshape early education and child care