Makinya Ward, Founder and Director at Kids Konnect, has been working the CQEL and UP Now (Universal Preschool) on a bill that will expand educational and developmental opportunities for young children. Senator Connie M. Leyva has introduced legislation SB 976. If successful, the bill will establish universal preschool in California, and give parents the choice of public elementary schools or a community-based childcare provider. This is something Kids Konnect is been advocating for in our mission to make childcare affordable for every family.
SB 976 will amend the current transitional kindergarten (TK) bill (SB 130) approved by the Governor in 2021. SB 130 means public elementary schools would exclusively teach TK. SB 976 builds on SB 130 and enables families to choose a preschool suitable for their needs. The new bill will also provide much needed stability to community-based childcare providers and their employees – many of whom are women of color.
SB 976 will be considered at a senate policy committee later in the Spring.
Makinya is a board member CQEL.