State Preschool Program
The State Preschool Program, funded by the California Department of Education’s Child Development Division, is a preschool program for children between the ages of three and five years who are from low-income families. As a child-centered program, State Preschool adds to a joyful childhood and is filled with inviting, developmental learning experiences. In partnership with parents, children are prepared for success in school and community.
A developmentally appropriate curriculum addresses the cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development of each child. The home languages of all children are welcomed by the teachers in a language and literacy-rich environment. Respect and support for the home language and culture, the family, and the community provide the focus for bridging the home and the preschool. Parent involvement is encouraged, and parent support is provided through linking families to local community resources.
Children’s growth and development are assessed twice a year using the Desired Results Developmental Profile. Teachers regularly adjust the curriculum, based on their observations of the children, to engage the children’s interest and maximize learning. Two conferences with parents are scheduled each year and parents are invited to speak with the teachers about their child at any time. Programs will ask families to complete the Desired Results Family Survey as results from the survey are used to ensure that families needs are met.
The half-day (3 to 3 1/2 hours per day) and full-day (4 to 11 hours per day) services of the State Preschool Program is free to families who are at or under the income ceilings shown below. The full-day State Preschool Program is based on a sliding fee scale. Eligibility can be determined for the full-day programs by calling the individual programs. Most of the programs are half-day, either morning or afternoon, and a few programs are full-day.