California has implemented a statewide initiative to provide a strong and early start to education for all children through equitable access to Universal PreKindergarten (UPK)
UPK/UTK news, trainings and events for early
childhood educators in Riverside County.
NOV
5–19
PTKLF sessions online, mostly 5:30–7:30 p.m.
NOV
13
Via Zoom · 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
NOV
14
RCOE Conference Center, Riverside ·
7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Feb ’27
20
Registration now open · limited space
In alignment with California’s implementation of Universal Prekindergarten (UPK), Consortium is supporting partners, to achieve a mixed service delivery system that promotes parent choice and aligns the early learning and TK-12 systems, which will ultimately help children and families meet school readiness outcomes.
Consortium UPK vision is to align the early learning and TK-12 systems in support of P-3 alignment. We are networking and collaborating with local educational agencies and other community partners to ensure a true mixed service delivery system that brings together all early learning programs, including transitional kindergarten (TK). Consortium offers virtual and in-person professional learning opportunities, technical assistance, and more.
UPK can serve as a bridge between early childhood and TK-12 systems to increase students’ readiness for school and schools’ readiness for students so that all children thrive in school and in life.
Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) brings together Transitional Kindergarten (TK), California State Preschools (CSPP), Head Start (HS), private preschools, and childcare, and before & after-school programs to partner so that families have access to a preschool learning experience and full day extended learning and care that meets their needs. The program options can be layered and wrapped to create rich, early-learning opportunities for all children during the year before kindergarten, regardless of income.
Preschool through third grade (P-3) alignment “includes both horizontal and vertical alignment and coherence across grades and systems to improve coordination of policies and practices in preschool, across transitions to Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten, and through third grade and beyond.” (Source: California Department of Education)
Transitional kindergarten (TK) refers to a developmentally appropriate program that focuses on the whole child; it uses a curriculum with a play- and project-based approach; provides a daily focus on language, literacy, and math; and supports social and emotional development. Universal transitional kindergarten is a TK program available to all 4-year-old children statewide at no cost to families.
We work together with the local education agencies and community agencies to create connections and plans to make sure all children can access different preschool options, like public schools, private schools, Head Start, and family child care. By working together, the grant aims to meet community needs, improve program quality, and help families find and enroll in preschool programs that suit them.
The UPK Mixed Delivery Planning Workgroup (under the Consortium For Early Learning Services) will serve as a feedback forum to provide input and diverse perspectives about how to integrate a mixed service delivery systems approach to expanding care and education for three- and four-year-old children, as required by California Education Code 8320.
The UPK Mixed Delivery Planning Workgroup accomplishes much of its work through group discussions, meetings, surveys, and regional focus group meetings.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is an option for all 4 year olds, and soon for 3 year olds. To find out when your child will become eligible, see below.
Families with 4 year olds have many early learning options that include: TK, private preschool, care through family childcare homes, and low-cost/free subsidized programs (if eligible) such as Head Start, California State Preschool Program, and other subsidized programs.
The bridge between preschool and Kindergarten for California’s children.
Universal Prekindergarten and transitional kindergarten
CDE resources for meeting the UPK timelines, including:
California Preschool learning Foundations:
Outline of the key knowledge and skills that most children can achieve when given the benefits of a high-quality preschool program.
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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!
