Local Planning Council
For Child Care Development
Nevada County
Choosing the Right UPK Program for My Family
Regardless of the UPK program your family chooses, your child should experience an environment where:
Each child’s culture, race, identity, and language is respected
Educators are ready to support dual language learners and encourage children to use their home language in the classroom
Children are provided joyful learning that sparks their curiosity and sense of belonging
Children of all abilities are supported and welcomed
Play-based learning activities are used to build the skills they need to succeed in TK–3rd Grade subjects
When you are deciding on the best preschool option for your child, here are some of the things to consider:
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Is it full-day or part-day? If it’s part-day, who will care for your child during the remainder of the day?
Are there other programs available (like a before and after school program or another childcare program) to care for your child or will you or a family member be available?
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What is the cost of the program?
Is your child eligible?
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Is the classroom accessible? Do they have teachers who know how to work with children with disabilities?
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Do they have teachers who speak the same language you speak at home?
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Can your child see themselves represented in their teachers? Do they have teachers or staff who look like your family?
Choosing Quality Child Care
California operates a program called “Quality Counts” that helps child care providers improve the quality of care they give AND can help families find high-quality early learning and child care programs for their young children.
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Programs that participate in Quality Counts go through a review process where they are supported and rated on areas like teacher qualifications, environment, and more! When you choose a program that participates in Quality Counts, you can feel more confident that your child is in a nurturing and stimulating environment that is committed to continuous improvement and giving your child the best start possible.
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To see which programs participate in Quality Counts in your area, visit the "Find a Provider" Map. On the map, look for the star icon , which indicates the program participates in Quality Counts.
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Or you can look for this image at local providers.​​​ ​​​​Child care programs displaying this sign are committed to improving the quality of early care and education they provide for the children and families they serve.
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Choosing child care for your infant, toddler, or preschooler is important. Quality matters but can be hard to spot.
Understanding the key elements of quality can help you make the best choice for your family:
Teachers talk, play, read, laugh, and interact positively with the children in their care. They develop children's critical thinking, social skills, language, self-confidence, and curiosity.
Teacher-Child Interactions
Teachers provide a rich learning environment with varied materials, activities, and routines. Areas are healthy, clean, and safe.
Physical Environment
Teachers closely monitor children's development and ensure they receive health screenings.
Child Development
Teachers use an engaging curriculum with developmentally appropriate activities to meet children's learning needs.
Curriculum
Staff are knowledgeable and caring with training and/or degrees in Early Childhood Education; they continuously participate in professional growth activities.
Staff Qualifications
Contact Information
For additional assistance in choosing the right program for your family, please visit Sierra Nevada Children’s Services:
Grass Valley Office
420 Sierra College Drive, Suite 100
Grass Valley, CA 95945
530.272.8866 or 888.306.7627
www.sncs.org
Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm
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