05.2023 | MontereyCOE.org
2 Universal PreKindergarten Monterey County • MontereyCOE.org What does early learning look like? Early childhood educators, philosophers, and researchers have for centuries recognized the important role that structured play has in the development and growth of children. Play is a critical and defining feature of childhood, particularly early childhood. Play is a young child’s world, and that world can be observed in an infant’s first exploration of an object through mouthing or a toddler’s attempts to climb tall steps and scoot down a slide at a neighborhood park. The child’s world of play can be seen in a preschooler’s fantasy world, built with blocks for small plastic animals, or school-age children racing across a playground in a game of tag. Play is an important context in which children learn, experiment with new ideas, and make sense of the world around them. Through play, children learn about their individual strengths related to unique cultural, linguistic, and family backgrounds and develop an understanding of other people and of communities that are different from theirs. As children play, they develop understandings about what is valued in their families and communities and they try to make sense of inequities they observe all around them related to race, ethnicity, gender, ability, income, and other factors. By actively designing environments that invite children to develop relationships with other children and adults and to explore ideas and the meaningful activities in their families and communities through play, teachers can guide children to develop academic and school readiness skills while also strengthening their awareness of diversity, development of empathy, and beliefs about justice and equity. Play-based learning is an approach to curriculum and instruction that emphasizes the use of play to support children’s learning across all domains of development. The Powerful Role of Play in Early Education. CDE 2021 Eight principles guide the development of the California Department of Education’s preschool curriculum framework. Grounded in early childhood research and practice, the eight principles emphasize offering young children individually, culturally, and linguistically responsive learning experiences and environments.
3 Universal PreKindergraten (UPK) programs put children on a path to succeed in education and in life A comprehensive support system for early education is the right approach. Students with access to quality PreK are better prepared for success as they begin school. Success indicators include: ● Improved cognitive development ● Higher achievement in math and reading throughout elementary school ● Improved self-control and ability to manage emotions ● A lesser chance of needing specialized education services ● A decreased likelihood of being held back in school Benefits continue over time, including positive effects for the key indicators measured by the California School Dashboard: ● Higher academic achievement ● Increased likelihood of high school graduation ● Increase in achievement for English learners ● Increased likelihood of college degree Universal PreKindergarten is an Early Learning Mixed Delivery System Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) is the expansion of the state’s mixed delivery system to meet the early education needs of 3 and 4-year-old children and their families. UPK brings more choices for preschool, including Transitional Kindergarten (TK) which will be available to all 4-year-olds by 2025-2026. UPK is an essential part of transforming California’s schools and giving every student in California a great start. UPK brings together all of these various programs you may be familiar with, so that you have more choices for high-quality PreK programs that meet your needs. UPK also connects before and after school and private programs to create wraparound or full-day options for working families. What is California’s vision for UPK? California envisions a UPK system where each child enters school thriving and ready to succeed in their educational journey. Through a system of choice, all families, including historically-marginalized communities, and particularly communities of color, will have high-quality early education opportunities and choices to select the program that best fits their child care needs, without compromising their children’s access to learning opportunities. Early childhood educators working within the UPK system will play an essential role inexpanding UPK. They will be supported by the California Department of Education, the Monterey County Office of Education, and local school districts to provide experiences that nurture each child to reach their full potential. What should your child experience in a UPK program? Regardless of the UPK program your family chooses, your child should experience an inclusive environment where children of all abilities are supported and welcomed. Each child’s culture, race, identity, and language is respected, and educators are ready to support dual language learners and encourage children to use their home language in the classroom. Children are provided joyful learning that sparks their curiosity and sense of belonging through play-based learning activities that build on the skills they need to succeed in preschool through the elementary grades.
4 Universal PreKindergarten Monterey County • MontereyCOE.org Name California State Preschool Program (CSPP) Head Start Private Licensed Family Child Care (FCC) Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Ages 3- and 4-year-olds 3- and 4-year-olds varies varies 4-year-olds, depending on birthday What is it Preschool program run through contracts from the State of California Federally-funded preschool program. Variety of halfday and full-day preschool and childcare programs Full-day programs offered in licensed homes Part of the public elementary school system that takes place the year before kindergarten Cost Free or low-cost, based on income eligibility and other factors Free, based on income eligibility Fees determined by individual preschool providers Fees determined by individual preschool providers. Vouchers and subsidized programs available Free, regardless of income Local Contact Contact your local school district or Resource & Referral: 831.424.6939 MCOE Early Learning Program: 831.755.0352 CAPSLO: 805.706.8663 Resource & Referral: 831.424.6939 CAPSLO: 805.706.8663 Early Development Services: 831.393.2246 Resource & Referral: 831.424.6939 Contact your local school district Family Choices for Universal PreKindergarten in Monterey County When can my child begin TK? Your child can start Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at the beginning of the school year with the following birth dates. Check with your child’s school to see if TK is an option at this time. Students born between Sep 2, 2018 and Apr 2, 2019 Students born between Sep 2, 2019 and June 2, 2020 Students born between Sep 2, 2020 and Aug 30, 2021 can start TK in school year can start TK in school year can start TK in school year 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026 * Some schools may be implementing an early transition to this program model.
5 What does a high quality UPK program look like? Creating a Caring Community of Learners In high-quality PreKindergarten programs, children develop positive relationships with each other and their teachers. Teachers: ● Are warm and caring, and they get to know each child and family well ● Help children learn how to play, work together, and make friends ● Plan activities so that all children can join in ● Include every child’s family, language, and culture in the program Teaching to Support Children’s Development and Learning Teachers are responsible for the set up the classroom, choosing materials, and planning activities that support children’s learning. They also: ● Provide materials and activities that interest children and challenge them ● Encourage children’s efforts by providing specific specific feedback and positive comments ● Set clear limits for children’s behavior and explain the reasons to help them develop strong social skills Planning and Adapting Curriculum A PreKindergarten curriculum is based on the eight overarching principles found on page two. Teachers plan and adapt curriculum to help children learn and grow by: ● Setting learning goals for children that are challenging but achievable with help ● Balancing group activities and instruction guided by the teacher with individual activities children choose themselves ● Providing enough time for children to get deeply involved in activities and learning ● Paying attention to and supporting children’s interests, skills, and knowledge Assessing Children’s Development and Learning Through regular assessment, teachers understand what each child knows and can do. This helps them decide which materials, activities, and experiences to add to help children continue learning. Teachers assess learning and development by: ● Regularly taking notes on what children do and say ● Collecting samples of children’s drawings and writings ● Taking photos of the things children make ● Using screening tests to identify when children need more learning support ● Asking families what activities your child does at home and what interests they have Developing Relationships With Families Teachers want to build trusting relationships with families. They know that families are the most important role models for every child. Teachers partner with families by: ● Listening to families’ goals and concerns for their children ● Encouraging families to participate in the program in a variety of ways ● Showing respect for each family and its language and culture ● Trying to find ways to communicate in a family’s home language Visit naeyc for more resources.
6 Universal PreKindergarten Monterey County • MontereyCOE.org UPK looks to support families in a variety of ways. ● All families, regardless of immigration & income status are eligible to participate ● UPK offers more flexible, high-quality PreK choices for your 3 and 4-year-old children ● Families have the opportunity to give input to make sure local UPK programs reflect families’ and communities’ needs and cultures ● Schools will be ready to support your child’s learning ● Programs will work to make sure children enter school with the tools that will help them succeed. Things to consider in your decision When making the decision about which UPK program is best for your family, there are a variety of things to consider. This might include the distance to your house or work, program cost, structure of full day or half day, options for extended care, and if your family is eligible based on the program’s requirements. How does a mixed delivery system work in Monterey County? Monterey County’s mixed delivery system is rooted in collaborative community partnerships with agencies focused on supporting children and families. We are here to help guide families to information and services. Cohesive approach to building systems alignment The collaboration between county offices of education, local school districts, California State Preschool Programs (CSPP), expanded learning programs, and educational partners is essential to ensure a clearly articulated preschool through third grade (P-3) continuum for early education students. Each family has a choice in what learning program best suits their child’s needs the two years before kindergarten. The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) will support countywide planning and capacity-building efforts for UPK planning, TK expansion, and the implementation of a high quality mixed delivery system of support for all 3 and 4- year-olds.
7 Local Resources for Families ● Monterey County Child Care Planning Council ● MAOF Resource & Referral ● Quality Matters Monterey ● First 5 Monterey County ● Expanded Learning ● Bright Beginnings ● MCOE Early Learning Program ● CAPSLO ● Monterey County Child Care ● Early Development Services ● United Way Monterey Visit these websites to learn more about UPK ● TKcalifornia.org ● everychildca.org/upk-resources ● montereycoe.org/divisions-services/educationalservices/early-care-and-education How to enroll in TK Enrolling for TK is similar to the application and enrollment process for Kindergarten, which may be different from your experience seeking a spot in other types of preschool programs. Enrollment packets can be picked up at any participating elementary school. Reach out to your local school district for any questions about enrolling. Alisal Union School District 831.753.5700 Bay View Academy 831.717.4630 Big Sur Charter 831.324.4573 Big Sur Unified School District 805.927.4507 Bradley Union School District 805.472.2310 Carmel Unified School District 831.624.1546 Chualar Union School District 831.679.2504 Greenfield Union School District 831.674.2840 Gonzales Unified School District 831.675.0100 Graves School District 831.422.6392 International School of Monterey 831.583.2165 King City Union School District 831.385.2940 Lagunita Elementary 831.449.2800 Mission Union Elementary School District 831.678.3524 Monterey Bay Charter 831.655.4638 Monterey County Home Charter 831.755.0331 Monterey Peninsula Unified School District 831.645.1203 North Monterey County Unified School District 831.633.3343 Oasis Charter Public 831.424.9003 Pacific Grove Unified School District 831.646.6520 Salinas City Elementary School District 831.753.5600 San Antonio Union School District 831.385.3051 San Ardo Union School District 831.627.2520 San Lucas Union School District 831.382.4151 Santa Rita Union School District 831.443.7200 Soledad Unified School District 831.678.3987 Spreckels Union School District 831.455.2550 Washington Union School District 831.484.2166
Monterey County Office of Education’s Educational Services Division is dedicated to supporting Universal PreKindergarten implementation in Monterey County. Special thanks to our UPK project team including: Caryn Lewis, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services [email protected] Leadership & System Support Megan Matteoni Director, Early Care & Education [email protected] Universal PreKindergarten Lead Raquel Camberos Coordinator, Language & Literacy [email protected] Early Language & Literacy Lead