There are many public policy issues that come to the attention of the Chicano Federation that either directly or indirectly impact the Latino community. As a public service, we will from time to time post information on these issues, as listed below. This posting does not constitute support of or opposition to an issue by the Chicano Federation, unless it is indicated.

Universal Preschool: momentum is building at both the state and national levels for a voluntary, publicly-funded preschool-for-all system in California. There has been important research on the benefits for children who attend quality preschool programs. Studies have shown that children in these programs are:

• Less likely to be placed in special education or held back a grade

• Higher achievers on standardized tests of reading and math

• Better behaved in class

• Less likely to become involved in crime

• More likely to graduate from high school and attend college

Preschool California www.preschoolcalifornia.org is spearheading efforts to educate the general public and public officials about the importance and benefits of universal preschool. The Chicano Federation is working with the National Council of La Raza www.nclr.org to support universal preschool efforts in California.