The RAND Corporation’s series of reports on California’s preschool system – the first comprehensive statewide look at early care and education for preschool-age children in the state – confirms that early childhood education is a critical part of K-12 reform. The study shows how California can invest in a high-quality early learning system to help close the state’s achievement gap. The study also provides guidance on how California can most effectively and efficiently spend its early childhood education dollars.

RAND's California Preschool Study was requested by the Governor's Committee on Education Excellence, the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Speaker of the California State Assembly and the President pro Tempore of the California State Senate to help them consider options for reforming and expanding preschool education. Visit the RAND website for more information.