Riverside County has you covered through early learning and care programs like Universal PreKindergarten.
UPK is an initiative to provide FREE, high-quality preschool options for all four-year-olds. It is part of a broader statewide effort to help children from birth to age 5 get ready for kindergarten in a setting that suits them best, no matter the family’s income.
UPK makes it so children are learning and developing as much as they can from birth. It also helps families find an early learning path that best fits their needs and gives children the skills they need to be prepared for school.
Families can choose from Transitional Kindergarten, preschool, Head Start, Community Early Learning and Care Centers and/or Licensed Family Childcare Programs.
Early learning care is a “mixed delivery system” that blends public school, preschools, community early learning and care centers and licensed family childcare programs.
We want you to know that you have a choice when it comes to your child’s early learning setting, and we’re here to help you navigate these options. We strongly suggest that families visit programs in person to choose the UPK program that is best for your family.
| Name | California State Preschool Program (CSPP) | Head Start | Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Home | Transitional Kindergarten (TK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ages | 3- and 4-year-olds | 3- and 4-year-olds | Continuity of Care 0 to 12 years old, including preschool (3- and 4-year-olds) | 4-year-olds, depending on birthday |
| What it is | Preschool program run through contracts from the State of California | Federally-funded preschool program. | Variety of half-day and full-day preschool and childcare programs | Part of the public elementary school system that takes place the year before kindergarten |
| Schedule | Part-day and full-day options available | Part-day and full-day options available | Part-day and full-day options available by individual preschool providers/programs including non-traditional hours to meet family needs | Part-day and full-day options available, depending on local decisions |
| Cost | Free or low-cost, based on income eligibility and other factors | Free, based on income eligibility | Fees determined by individual Fees determined by individual preschool providers. Some families may be eligible for state subsidized vouchers to cover all or most costs of care. | Free, regardless of Free, regardless of income |
Enter a child’s birth date to estimate Transitional Kindergarten eligibility, kindergarten eligibility, first-grade eligibility, compulsory school age, and a California grade timeline.
California reference rules used in this calculator: TK for children who turn 4 by September 1, kindergarten for children who turn 5 by September 1, first grade for children who turn 6 by September 1, and compulsory school begins when a child is 6. These rules are used for general guidance and local school districts should be consulted for enrollment decisions.
Department of Public Social Services for additional services for low-income families
First5@rivco.org
951.358.5650
Quality Start for assessing quality early learning and care options
info@qualitystartrc.org
1.800.266.3880
First 5 Riverside for early care, parent/caregiver education and parent support (0-5 years old)
First5@rivco.org
If you’ve earned your Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education between May 1, 2024, and now, get ready for some exciting news!
