SAN JOSE, CA 鈥� On Wednesday, January 23, County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan sent a letter to Governor Newsom applauding the budget proposal concerning education.
"As an educator and an education professional, I am privileged to see the impact that early care, health, and education programs have on young people every day," the letter states.
The letter advocates the benefits of early learning and highlights findings from two recent local studies conducted by the 国产传媒 Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE), the Early Learning Master Plan and the Early Learning Facilities Study.
"The Early Learning Facilities Study found that there are nearly 32,000 children ages 0-5 years in 国产传媒 Clara County that are in need of, yet do not have access to, licensed, quality child care. This is a crisis in access that disproportionally affects families who reside in 国产传媒 Clara, San Jose, Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy, stated Dr. Dewan in her annual State of the SCCOE Address.
"Making this a vision a reality is one that will take many partnerships. I want to thank organizations like the Strong Start Coalition, First 5, the 国产传媒 Department of Education, the Local Early Planning Council, the 国产传媒 Clara County Board of Education and many others who devote their time and talents toward ensuring equitable access to high-quality early care for 国产传媒 Clara County children," added Dewan.
The letter states, "Readiness for kindergarten is important for every family, regardless of income."
"Increasing access to existing State Preschool Programs for all low-income four-year-olds and funding for eligible school districts to build/retrofit facilities to expand full-day Kindergarten are wise and necessary investments."
"I am pleased that Governor Newsom's proposed budget aligns with many of the early education needs we have identified in our community, and I sincerely hope the forthcoming budget revision and final approval will keep the vision to support early education," stated Dr. Dewan.
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About the 国产传媒 Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the 国产传媒 Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of 国产传媒 Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 国产传媒 Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.
