Universal Prekindergarten and early learning programs lay a critical foundation for children’s academic and social development. High-quality early education lights a spark in a child’s journey, igniting a flame of curiosity and confidence that will illuminate their future. These programs not only prepare young learners for the academic demands ahead but nurture their curiosity, creativity, and confidence, ensuring they thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Earlier this month, Las Palmas Elementary (Twin Rivers Unified School District) welcomed education leaders and staff representing the California State Senate and Assembly, as well as several policy committees, to showcase the results of California's efforts to bridge early childhood education and the K–12 system. Co-hosted by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), the California County Superintendents association, and the California Policy Collaborative, the event underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping effective early learning programs.
Attendees observed innovative practices in preschool and transitional kindergarten classrooms. Highlights included a dual-language immersion program, an inclusive preschool classroom, and discussions on transitional kindergarten approaches. Participants also engaged in Q&A sessions with teachers and administrators, followed by debriefs where small groups were able to share insights and discuss the best practices they’d seen.
“Early learning is the cornerstone of every child’s future success,” said Julie Montali, Ph.D., Executive Director of SCOE’s Early Learning Department. “At this critical stage, we can cultivate a love for learning, build essential skills, and ensure every child—regardless of background—has the foundation to thrive. Universal Prekindergarten isn’t just an investment in education; it’s an investment in equity, opportunity, and the limitless potential of our youngest learners.”
Legislators who attended the visit expressed their views on the progress and challenges of implementing UPK across California. Their feedback reinforced the need for continued investment and policy alignment to ensure high-quality learning experiences for the state’s youngest learners.
This marks the third year of collaboration between SCOE, California County Superintendents, and the California Policy Collaborative in hosting UPK-focused events. As California continues its journey toward universal access to prekindergarten, gatherings like this demonstrate the power of partnerships in driving innovation and excellence in early education.
California Plans for Universal Prekindergarten
Transitional kindergarten (TK) is being made universally available in California through Assembly Bill 130. By the 2025–26 school year, California will have a Universal Prekindergarten system that maximizes parent choice for providers, programs, and settings. The goal is for all four-year-olds to have the opportunity to participate and thrive in a supportive learning environment that helps prepare them for success in kindergarten.
Along with the expansion of available programs comes a dramatic increase in the need for early education teachers. SCOE is coordinating a regional partnership called SacE3 to help the state meet a workforce development goal of increasing the number of California early education teachers by 11,000. SacE3 efforts include:
- Incentives for Early Learning and Care Educators—stipends to help early learning and care educators acquire, upgrade, or maintain their Child Development Permit
- Opportunities for Aspiring Teachers—$10,000 tuition support to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development from CSUS and $7,000 towards an internship program to become a Transitional Kindergarten teacher