Washington, DC – The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., today expressed disappointment with AB 172, a budget bill which implements Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposal for increased preschool funding. Unfortunately, AB 172 does not meet the needs of Latino children and families.

“NCLR and the Latino community are staunch supporters of preschool programs,” stated Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. “We know that Latino and English language learner (ELL) children stand to benefit most from these programs. And we know that there are proven strategies that work. Unfortunately, the Governor and state legislature missed an opportunity to shape a preschool program that can close the achievement gap for these children.”

Research shows that effective preschool programs include parental involvement programs that serve all parents, including those with limited English proficiency; highly qualified teachers, including teachers trained to serve the needs of ELLs; a mixed-delivery system, including community-based preschool providers; and full-day services. AB 172 includes none of these important elements.

Murguía concluded, “The stakes in the development of preschool programs are high for Latinos and all Californians. Almost half of all children in California affected by the implementation of the Governor’s preschool funding are Latino. It is clear that for California’s preschool program to be considered successful it must serve Latino children and families effectively.”

NCLR will continue to pursue these reforms for the California preschool program. In the interim, we urge the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Department of Education, and local school districts to partner with community-based preschool programs to ensure that preschool in California works for Latinos.

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