Our Executive Director Speaks Out: Key Takeaways from the LA Times TK Coverage

The Times recently published an article highlighting a significant, unintended consequence of California’s universal TK expansion. While more 4-year-olds now access free public school, the broader early learning ecosystem, especially community preschools, is becoming less stable. Our Executive Director, Nina Buthee, was interviewed for the piece and spoke on behalf of providers, emphasizing a critical point: without better coordination and support, the mixed-delivery system is at risk. California could lose essential child-care capacity for infants and toddlers—the age groups with the greatest unmet need.

The article explains that during the four-year rollout of California’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) expansion, 167 community-based preschools in Los Angeles County closed, resulting in the loss of about 12,000 child-care slots for 3- and 4-year-olds. During this same period, TK enrollment in L.A. County public schools grew by 13,000 students, according to new UC Berkeley research. Researchers found that areas with the largest increases in TK enrollment were also the most likely to experience preschool closures, suggesting that TK’s expansion has unintentionally competed with, and in some cases displaced, community-based pre-K programs. 

Preschools were expected to replace their 4-year-olds with younger children, but major barriers made that shift unrealistic. Licensing for infants and toddlers can take six to twelve months and requires meeting new fire regulations, as noted by EveryChild California’s Executive Director, Nina Buthee. Recruiting teachers trained for infant care is also difficult, and infant care itself is a declining specialty. Financially, caring for younger children is far more expensive due to strict ratios—one teacher can supervise 12 preschoolers but only three infants. Many programs lack the facilities, staff, or funding to make this transition, leaving them unable to withstand enrollment drops caused by TK.

TK was intended to reduce inequities, but enrollment has grown fastest in affluent communities. Wealthier ZIP codes saw a 135% increase, compared to 50% in the poorest ZIP codes. Lower-income families may already access free early learning programs, while higher-income families experience the greatest cost savings from TK. Preschool directors describe sudden losses of 4-year-olds as families move to TK, often with little warning. Attempts to shift toward infants and toddlers are slowed by licensing delays, facility needs, and staff shortages. Nina emphasized that adapting to younger-age care is a long, complex process: “It’s almost like moving the Titanic.” She notes that if changing models were simple, “programs would be doing it.” She also warns that more closures are likely in the coming year. Ultimately, the article shows that while TK expands access for 4-year-olds, it destabilizes the mixed-delivery system. Without coordinated support, California risks losing child-care capacity for infants and toddlers—the age groups with the greatest unmet need.