January 29, 2006

 

Los Angeles — Today the California Teachers Association voted to support actor/director Rob Reiner's Preschool for All Initiative at its State Council of Education quarterly meeting in Los Angeles.

 

"This is an important initiative because it would give all children the opportunity to go to preschool," said Barbara E. Kerr, president of the California Teachers Association. "And research supports what teachers have known all along: That students who go to quality preschools come to school ready to learn, do better in school and are more likely to graduate high school and go to college." 

 

In supporting the preschool initiative, CTA reaffirmed its commitment to early childhood education and making sure every child has access to a start that will help them be successful throughout their school career. The measure, which has qualified for the June primary ballot, would raise $2.4 billion per year by the time it takes full effect, and would allow all California parents the option of having their children attend state-funded preschool.

 

The State Council of Education is comprised of nearly 800 democratically elected teacher representatives from across the state and makes policy for the organization.