Children's Services Early Care & Education Programs

Established in 2021 as part of California’s expanded TK rollout, UPK was created to ensure that every child enters kindergarten with a strong foundation in early learning, regardless of the program their family chooses. The initiative aims to align services, reduce barriers for families, and create a coordinated system that supports equitable school readiness across the state. Universal Prekindergarten provides multiple options for three- and four-year-old children, including the California State Preschool Program, Head Start, private preschool, in-home childcare, and Transitional Kindergarten (TK), allowing families to choose what best meets their needs.