The first section provides an overview of the Governor’s proposed spending for preschool programs. In this brief, we analyze the Governor’s budget proposals related to the state’s two main preschool programs-TK and State Preschool. (The state does not charge family fees for part‑day State Preschool or TK.) This action would eliminate the fiscal incentive for families to enroll in TK rather than State Preschool, even when State Preschool would better meet a family’s needs. If funding priorities allow, the Legislature may want to consider eliminating family fees for full‑day State Preschool. We recommend allowing the reimbursement flexibility to sunset, which would require State Preschool providers to serve a certain number of children to fully earn their contracts. The Governor’s budget allows two temporary policies to lapse-reimbursement flexibility for State Preschool providers and family fee waivers. Legislature Could Consider Action on Temporary Policies. If the Legislature reduces costs, the “freed up” funds could be used (1) as a budget solution, (2) to increase funding in other areas of the State Preschool program (such as to increase rates or eliminate family fees for full‑day State Preschool), or (3) to increase funding for other priorities outside of the State Preschool program. These savings are associated with the Governor overbudgeting the cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA), lower‑than expected costs for recent rate increases, and unallocated funding for recent slots. We find the Legislature could reduce costs in State Preschool by $196 million and maintain the program as it currently operates. Several Opportunities for Savings in State Preschool. These requirements would make hiring instructional aides for TK classrooms more difficult. In light of staffing challenges, we recommend rejecting this proposal. In practice, these would be additional requirements for instructional aides. The Governor’s budget proposes additional requirements for adults assigned to TK classrooms starting in the 2028‑29 school year. Recommend Rejecting Additional TK Staffing Requirements. With regard to staffing ratios, keeping these ratios at existing levels also helps ensure that schools do not experience even greater staffing shortages. The Legislature can provide some amount of funds for facilities this year or reevaluate whether to provide additional funding next year, based on the state’s budget condition. However, past augmentations for early education facilities were oversubscribed and funding provided would likely be used. With regard to facilities, most school districts report having adequate classroom space to meet projected TK enrollment. Both of these actions help to address the state’s budget issues. The Governor’s budget also maintains staffing ratios at 1 adult for every 12 students rather than moving to 1 adult for every 10 students. The Governor’s budget delays $550 million one‑time non‑Proposition 98 General Fund for early education facilities from 2023‑24 to 2024‑25. This brief provides an overview and analysis of the Governor’s proposals for transitional kindergarten (TK) and State Preschool.ĭelaying Facilities Funding and Maintaining Current TK Staffing Ratios Seems Reasonable Given State Budget Problem.
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