The Salinas CAT is currently focused on developing a campaign for Universal Preschool in the City of Salinas.

Long-term studies show that access to a high-quality preschool can have life-long benefits. Children that attend preschool are more likely to graduate from high school and even earn more over their lifetime!

Investing in quality early care and learning programs pays off – with every $1 invested giving a $13 return! Not only will this benefit children and their families, but our entire community with:
  • Increased economic growth with a better-prepared workforce
  • Lower costs of public benefits and education supports later in life
  • Reduction of violent crimes, which can improve property values

The benefits of high-quality universal preschool have been demonstrated at scale in recent independent evaluations. Analyses from other cities and states show the benefits significantly outweigh the costs.

In addition, universal access can remove barriers for children experiencing the greatest challenges – including homeless children and children with special needs.

Salinas residents have voiced that investing in early care and education is a top priority for our community. The current preschool system in Salinas is fragmented and unfair. There are not enough spaces available for children of working families, and many of the current programs have restrictive income and other requirements. A universal program – available to ALL children regardless of neighborhood or social class – will be fairer and provide higher quality early learning opportunities for everyone. Our plan will also allow for more parental choice, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all program.

Our parent-led local action team is working with early childhood leaders, preschools, county officials, city staff, business leaders and school districts, to develop a plan to achieve our ambitious goal of universal preschool! Join us!

View and download our Universal Preschool in Salinas Campaign Update here
(8MB PDF)

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, @preschool4all.
For more information or to learn how you can get involved, please contact Maria Carmen Parra, maria@BrightBeginningsMC.org, Community Organizer at Bright Beginnings.

Salinas Mamas

Listening Campaign Mothers from Salinas / Campaña de Escucha Las Madres de Salinas 2016-2017

The Salinas Parent Listening Campaign was launched to deepen an understanding from a parent perspective. Read a summary of key findings from the Salinas Parent Listening Campaign that was collected between March 2016 to May 2017.

Click here to read and download the report in English (2MB).

Click here to read the download the report in Spanish (2MB).

Salinas CAT Calendar

View Bright Beginnings’ calendar here for the next Salinas Collaborative Action Team meeting.

Salinas CAT Toolkit

Click here to access your CAT Toolkit that includes:

  • Bright Beginnings CAT Logo
  • Event Flyer Template
  • Presentation Template
  • Press Release Template