Torrico to highlight bill to increase access to pre-school
at West Sacramento press conference Thursday
Legislation would continue and expand Power of Preschool pilot program
to thousands of California children
West Sacramento – Assemblymember Alberto Torrico (D-Fremont) will discuss his legislation to expand access to preschool for thousands of at-risk children in California, Thursday at a press conference at Wonderland day care in West Sacramento.
The Power of Preschool (PoP) program serves approximately 9,600 3 – and 4 – year olds in nine pilot programs around the state, including Yolo County. The PoP program, established by the state First Five Commission, is set to expire this year. However, under Torrico’s proposal, AB 2252, this successful program would not only be continued but expanded as more First Five funds would be set aside to increase the number of PoP grants available to counties across the state.
“We know that kids who participate in quality preschool are less likely to be held back in school, more likely to graduate and go to college, and less likely to commit violent crimes as adults,” Torrico said. “Quality preschools also enable parents to develop parental skills and become better partners in their kids’ education. With all of these great benefits, it makes sense to use the limited resources we have to get more children into preschool. We can do this without increasing taxes or the size of our budget deficit.”
The press conference will take place at Wonderland day care, which is part of Universal Preschool for West Sacramento (UP 4 WS). UP 4 WS received a five-year funding PoP grant in 2005. Hundreds of children participate in UP 4 WS every year.
WHO: Assemblymember Alberto Torrico, West Sacramento Mayor Pro Tem Oscar Villegas, UP 4 WS Parent Representative Rene Guerrero, teacher Paul Martinez
WHAT: Alberto Torrico Press Conference on Power of Preschool funding
WHERE: Wonderland Day Care, 3034 Canvasback Way, West Sacramento.
WHEN: 11 a.m., Thursday, May 27, 2010
VISUALS: Preschool children painting and singing.