UPK For Families
There Are Free And Low-Cost Prekindergarten Spots Available In Your Community!
Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) brings more flexible, high-quality early learning choices for your 3- and 4 year-olds that meet your families’ childcare needs. All families in California–regardless of immigration & income status–are eligible to participate.
As part of UPK, you have a variety of preschool options to choose from. The chart below breaks down the preschool choices available for 3- and 4-year-olds in more detail. You’ll find information on California State Preschool - or CSPP - on the far left, followed by Head Start, private preK, and finally Transitional Kindergarten - or TK. You can see there are a variety of half-day and full-day options for eligible families to consider.
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Steps To Learn More About UPK Programs In Your Community
Check out the chart above and think about which UPK programs could work best for you and your family.
Attending a high-quality early education program prepares children to develop critical social- emotional, cognitive, and early academic skills to be ready for kindergarten and beyond.
Finding the best option for your child takes time and research
Questions to Consider
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How many children will be in the classroom? How many adults/teachers?
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Does the schedule include an appropriate amount of play time, rest time, and learning activities?
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How does the program support children's home language, individualized needs, and/or extended learning opportunities?
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How does the program offer the opportunity for large group, small group, and individualized learning?
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How does the program engage families
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How does the program support emerging communication and social-emotional skills?
Other Factors
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Cost of program
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Program eligibility
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Before and after school care (extended learning)
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Hours and months of operation
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Daily schedule
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Transportation
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Meals
High-Quality Early Learning...
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Invites curiosity and play
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Positively impacts academic performance Provides structure balanced with fun
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Builds a desire to learn
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Provides opportunities for physical activity Builds social and emotional development by increasing positive behavior, self-worth, and confidence
Child Care Programs in Quality Counts CA (QCC)
A select group of child care programs are enrolled in Quality Counts CA. This signifies their commitment to surpassing basic licensing requirements to elevate their standard of care and education. They actively participate in ongoing professional development training, mentoring, coaching, program assessments, and accountability measures. QCC programs are dedicated to enhancing the quality of environments, teacher-child interactions, and child learning outcomes.
Selecting a preschool program is a significant decision. Quality is one of the most crucial factors, yet its identification is not always straightforward. Understanding the fundamental components of quality can assist you in making an informed choice when selecting a child care or preschool facility for your family.
Key Elements of Quality:
1. Teacher-Child Interactions: Teachers engage in positive communication, play, reading, laughter, and interactions with the children in their care. They cultivate children's critical thinking, social skills, language, self-confidence, and curiosity.
2. Physical Environment: Teachers provide diverse learning environments with materials, activities, and routines. The areas are maintained as healthy, clean, and safe spaces.
3. Child Development: Teachers closely monitor children's development and ensure they receive health screenings.
4. Curriculum: Teachers employ an engaging curriculum with developmentally appropriate activities to meet children's learning needs.
5. Staff Qualifications: Staff members are knowledgeable and caring, possessing training and/or degrees in Early Childhood Education; they continuously engage in professional development activities.