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.
