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About Proposition 82 - The Preschool for All Initiative
Proposition 82 – The Preschool for All Initiative – will provide a high-quality, voluntary preschool education for every four-year old in California. Today, 50% of California’s fourth graders fail to meet basic reading standards, and California ranks 45th in the nation in reading. But when children go to preschool, studies show that they enter school better prepared to learn, more likely to read by the third grade, and more likely to graduate from high school. Supported by a broad coalition of children's advocates, business leaders, educators, law enforcement and elected public officials, Proposition 82 is a landmark initiative to strengthen our schools and invest in our children.
PROP. 82 STRENGTHENS ELEMENTARY AND K-12 EDUCATION
- Guarantees every four-year-old child the right to a high-quality preschool education.
- Helps all children enter school ready to learn and learn to read by the third grade.
- Provides teacher training and raises standards for preschool teachers.
- Raises standards for existing preschools and creates new high-quality preschool programs and classrooms.
PROP. 82 ENCOURAGES PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
- Allows parents to choose among public, private and nonprofit preschool providers.
- Makes sure preschool programs are coordinated with local elementary schools.
PROP. 82 INVESTS IN OUR CHILDREN AND OUR FUTURE
- For every dollar we invest in quality preschool, studies show we get more money back – from savings on reduced remedial education, lower high school drop out rates, and the economic benefits of a better-educated workforce.
- Preschool takes advantage of a critical period when children’s brains are developing rapidly, giving them a better chance to succeed in school.
- Studies show that preschool can help kids stay in school and out of trouble with crime, drugs, and gangs.
PROP. 82 PROTECTS TAXPAYERS WITH STRICT FINANCIAL CONTROLS
- Establishes a separate dedicated preschool fund that can only be spent on preschool education.
- Limits administrative expenses so that 94% of all funds go directly to children's education.
- Requires audits of county programs and establishes criminal penalties for misuse of funds, including possible jail time.
- Funded by 1.7% of family income over $800,000, and individual income over $400,000.
- Has no cost for 99.4% of California taxpayers.