As part of a $ 123.9 billion preschool and K-12 program, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed a bill investing money in the creation of a universal preschool program. K for all 4-year-olds.

The program will begin gradually in 2022-2023 and potentially be fully implemented by 2025-2026, according to a press release from Newsom’s office.

“California is leveling the playing field by finally achieving universal preschool,” Newsom said in the press release. “Regardless of their family’s income or immigration status, California children will have access to crucial, high-quality education from the age of four.

Under the bill, the state will use $ 3 billion to create “full-service community schools” with family engagement, mental health and other social services. The bill also includes more than $ 1 billion to improve staff-to-student ratios in schools serving the highest concentrations of “vulnerable” students, the press release added.

The bill also provides funds to supplement summer programs and extracurricular activities in several schools and attract more teachers to struggling and very poor schools, the press release notes. Under the bill, all schools will resume offering full in-person instruction during the following school year.

“California schools have access to unprecedented resources to implement safety measures and expand curricula to meet the socio-emotional and academic needs of students,” the press release said.

Aditya Katewa is the news editor. Contact him at [email protected], and follow him on Twitter at @ adkatewa1.