Challenges Persist in Child Care Despite California’s Investments in Public Preschool

California’s transitional kindergarten program, designed for 4-year-old children who turn 5 by early April, has seen slower enrollment growth than anticipated. Governor Gavin Newsom had estimated 120,000 students would enroll last year, but only around 91,000 attended on average daily. However, this school year, the average daily attendance has increased to about 125,000 students.

The program, which offers free early learning opportunities taught by educators with the same credentials as kindergarten teachers, has shown benefits in preparing students for kindergarten. Studies have found that students entering kindergarten from transitional kindergarten have stronger math and literacy skills. In Michigan, where a similar program is not offered statewide, students in transitional kindergarten have shown increases in third-grade test scores in math and English.

For families like María Maldonado’s, who sends her daughter Audrey to transitional kindergarten at Para Los Niños Charter Elementary School, the program has been a game-changer. Audrey, who stays at the school from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., is thriving academically and enjoys the school environment. Maldonado, who wishes she had known about the program sooner for her other children, is impressed by the positive impact it has had on Audrey.

However, some families, like Ethan’s parents, have opted out of transitional kindergarten in favor of day care centers that offer full-day care and play-based learning. Ethan’s father, Scott Quinn, has noticed his son picking up behaviors from younger children at day care and now regrets not enrolling him in transitional kindergarten.

As California’s transitional kindergarten program continues to expand, families are faced with the decision of whether to enroll their children in this early learning opportunity or opt for alternative care options. The benefits of transitional kindergarten in preparing students for kindergarten are evident, but the choice ultimately depends on what each family values most for their child’s early education.