Article 6. Preschool Followthrough Programs of California Education Code >> Division 4. >> Title 2. >> Part 29. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 6.

It is the intent and purpose of the Legislature by this article to ensure that the instructional program in the early elementary grades in the public schools will complement preschool programs and reinforce the benefits afforded children who have participated therein, and will be directed to maintaining and raising the levels of educational achievement and potential of such children. Preschool followthrough programs and projects conducted pursuant to this article shall comprise an essential component of compensatory education, and shall be included among and coordinated with other components of compensatory education programs. Except as otherwise specifically provided by this article, such programs and projects shall be subject to all other provisions of this chapter.

From funds which may be appropriated therefor by the Legislature, or from federal funds which may be made available for the purpose, grants may be made to applicant school districts which have established projects or programs pursuant to this article. No matching-fund requirements shall be imposed as a condition upon entitlement to any such grant, unless otherwise required for purposes of establishing eligibility for federal funds. The grants shall be disbursed upon order of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and by warrants of the State Controller. Eligibility for grants and the expenditure thereof by the recipient school district shall be provided for by standards and requirements prescribed in rules and regulations of the State Board of Education.

In accepting federal funds which may be made available for purposes of this article the people of the State of California agree to accept and comply with all conditions and requirements which may be prescribed in connection therewith by or under the authority of federal law. The State Board of Education is designated as the state educational agency which shall carry out the purposes and provisions of any federal statute under which federal funds may be provided for purposes of this article. The board shall formulate and submit to the United States Commissioner or other designated federal officer or agency any state plan which may be required for such purposes, and shall have the power to revise and amend the same, as required, and shall have overall control and direction of its administration.

The State Board of Education shall provide for the establishment of pilot preschool followthrough programs and projects in schools maintaining grades kindergarten, 1, 2, and 3 at the elementary level. The programs and projects shall be subject to the provisions of Section 54461.

Pilot preschool followthrough programs and projects shall serve disadvantaged minors in kindergarten, and grades 1, 2, and 3, who have participated in preschool programs conducted pursuant to this chapter or pursuant to any other law of this state, or pursuant to federal law under which funds are provided for the programs, and shall include, to the extent that funds are available, any one or more of the following elements and components (in addition to others which may be determined to be essential under Section 54523):
  (a) Reduction of pupil-teacher ratios. Reduction of such ratios to 20 to 1, or lower, at the kindergarten level, and to 25 to 1 or lower in grades 1, 2, and 3 at the elementary level, shall be the basic standards to which such efforts shall be directed.
  (b) Establishment of single-session kindergarten programs, with the individual classroom teacher to be responsible for one, rather than two kindergarten classes.
  (c) Utilization of teacher aides and other supporting staff personnel.
  (d) In-service professional study involving instruction and orientation of school district personnel, with emphasis on developing a better understanding of the disadvantaged children and their educational needs, and developing particular teaching techniques to meet those needs.
  (e) Development of curricula and educational aides to meet the educational needs of disadvantaged children, with emphasis upon improving comprehension of, and facility in, the language, and cultural enrichment, and including the development of new approaches to the teaching of academic subjects which will enhance abstract thinking and sharpen the cognitive skills.
  (f) Providing comprehensive health services, including medical and dental examinations, programs in nutrition, psychological counseling and speech therapy.
  (g) Experimentation in grouping of children to realize the maximum benefits for children.

Pilot preschool followthrough programs and projects shall be established on the basis of a geographical dispersion throughout the state which is most appropriate for purposes of this article, as determined by the State Board of Education. The programs and projects shall serve as demonstration models for other school districts in the state in the coordination of preschool, kindergarten, and elementary grade instructional programs for the benefit of disadvantaged minors.

Federal funds which may be provided for purposes of this article shall bear all the costs of the administration of the provisions of this article by the State Board of Education and the Department of Education.