UPK for Families

What are my child care and early education choices?

Child care” and “early education” both describe programs where families receive child care services and children learn.

Families have a variety of child care and early education options, including licensed centers and family child care homes, which offer structured programs for children ages 3 to 4 (and sometimes from birth to school age), with schedules ranging from half-day to extended hours and varying adult-to-child ratios. Care can also be provided by family, friends, or neighbors in informal settings with flexible hours. Public elementary schools offer free transitional kindergarten for eligible 4-year-olds, along with preschool options, often with child care before and after school. Programs may be free, low-cost, or paid depending on the provider and eligibility.

Child Care and Early Education Center

Some programs offer continuity of care for children who are birth–five/school age.

What It Is

Licensed programs where services are provided by early childhood educators in a school-like setting. Children are usually grouped together by age group. Multiple classrooms are overseen by a director.

Schedule

Half and full day programs.

Adult To Child Ratio

1 adult for every 8 or 12 children, depending on the program type.

Cost

Free, low-cost, and paid options.

Age group

3 year old and 4 year old

Family Child Care Home

Some programs offer continuity of care for children who are birth–five/school age.

What It Is

Licensed programs where services are provided by early childhood educators in their own home. This smaller setting serves children of various ages together.

Schedule

Half and full day programs. Many offer extended, evening, or weekend hours.

Adult To Child Ratio

Small: 1 adult for every 8 children Large: 2 adults for 14 children.

Cost

Free, low-cost, and paid options.

Age group

3 year old and 4 year old

More Resources

My Child Care Plan

Family, Friend, and a Neighbor

What It Is

Care provided by a relative, friend, or neighbor in your home or their home.

Schedule

No set schedule. Many caregivers offer extended, evening, or weekend hours.

Adult To Child Ratio

No formal regulations. Many care for 1-2 children.

Cost

Free, low-cost, and paid options.

Elementary School

What It Is

Free programs, like transitional kindergarten (TK), are offered by public elementary schools specifically for 4-year-olds. It is taught by an elementary school teacher. Schools may also offer preschool programs for 3-years old and 4 year olds.

Schedule

Half and full day programs. Some schools offer child care before and after school.

Adult To Child Ratio

1 adult for every 10 children.

Cost

TK is free for 4-year-olds as of September 1; other programs may have free for TK or low-cost options for Preschool.

Families are an integral part for TK student success

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a great opportunity to engage families and build a strong foundation for family-school partnerships. By welcoming families and establishing strong partnerships, both parents and teachers can begin to lay the foundation for the best learning outcomes for their youngest learners.

How can I find Child Care and Early Education for my child?

Riverside County Office of Education (For Parents)

Provides parents with referrals to child care and early education programs throughout Riverside County.

https://secureweb.rcoe.us/ONLINEREF/

https://www.rcoe.us/departments/early-education-services/early-care-and-education/looking-for-child-care

Riverside

Child Care Assistance/ Resource & Referral
(951) 826-6626 or (800) 442-4927
3610 14th Street, Riverside, CA 92501

Quality Assurance
(951) 826-6655
4101 Almond Street, Riverside, CA 92501

https://qualitystartrc.org/

Indio

(760) 863-3345

47-110 Calhoun, Indio, CA 92201

Lake Elsinore

(951) 826-7240

575 Chaney Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

Mecca

(760) 863-3270

Mecca Family and Farmworkers Service Center
91-275 66th Avenue, Suite 600, Mecca, CA 92254

Murrieta

(951) 600-5620

24990 Las Brisas Road, Murrieta, CA 92562

For More Information:

(800) 442-4927

Riverside County Office of Education (Head Start )

Riverside

Riverside County Office of Education Head Start provides referrals to free early education programs for low – income children from birth to 5 years old.

Explore Head Start Programs

(877) 773-5543

Local Elementary School

Local elementary schools provide free transitional kindergarten for all 4 year old children and may also have early care and education programs for younger children.

Find my kids school district