Backers of the Fresno County Office of Education's master plan for voluntary preschool acknowledged that the state's dismal economic outlook and lack of adequate funding for preschool were roadblocks.

But they said the 80-page document can -- over the next seven years -- guide the gradual expansion of preschool and provide a blueprint for a more comprehensive network of preschools.

Lucy Dixon, center, along with her Jefferson Elementary School preschool classmates, wears a T-shirt that says "Just Say Preschool," at a news conference where Fresno County's Voluntary Preschool Master Plan was unveiled.

"When you're in difficult times, you advance; you don't retreat," said Larry Powell, superintendent of Fresno County schools. "We're going to move forward, regardless of the budget situation."

Powell and a panel of advocates gathered at Jefferson Elementary School in Clovis to announce completion of the master plan for voluntary preschool in Fresno County.

Powell's office had hired child-development expert Karen Hill Scott of Southern California last year to lead the effort, which included suggestions from more than 100 community leaders.

Fresno County lacks preschool space for about 4,000 children, according to the report.

That means about 40% of the 4-year-olds whose parents might want to enroll them in a high-quality program don't have access.

A nine-month, half-day preschool program would cost about $8,000 yearly per child, the report said.

The need is greatest in the city of Fresno, and about 2,000 spaces are needed in areas where schools have extremely low state test scores, the report said.

Researchers have found that children who attend preschool perform better in school and are less likely to be held back, drop out or need special education services, said panel member Deborah Kong of Preschool California, a nonprofit preschool advocacy organization.

Children are now expected to know how to read before they finish kindergarten, making preschool essential for preparing many students socially and academically, said Michelle Steagall, chief curriculum officer for Clovis Unified School District.

The group unveiled the plan at Jefferson Elementary because of its exemplary preschool for low-income children.

Children were finger-painting, making vegetable soup, working at a computer, learning about measuring and playing with blocks as community members toured their classroom.

Four-year-old Alejandro Montez said that he learned how to write his name and letters at preschool.

Powell said preschool is often where children are first read to, or get to turn the pages of a book.

"Many of our families do not have reading material -- let alone age-appropriate material -- at home," he said.

The plan recommends that the community focus on:

Developing a voluntary quality rating system for preschools, mentors for preschool teachers and recognizing programs that other preschools should emulate.

Aligning preschool curriculum with elementary schools to ensure a smooth transition.

Connecting with parents.

Improving training for preschool teachers.

Funding.

A team led by the Fresno County Office of Education will implement the plan and will form task forces to address specific areas.