Universal Prekindergarten (UPK)
Early Education and Care in Mendocino County.
Universal Prekindergarten in Mendocino County offers families access to high-quality early learning programs for all 4-year-olds and many 3-year-olds. UPK is designed to support your child’s development, instill a love of learning, and set the stage for long-term success. Ninety percent of a child's brain development occurs by age 5. Having access to a rich and developmentally appropriate group setting is one way to support children during these critical first years.
Young children learn best through play. It really is that simple.
What isn't simple is the intentional planning, careful observation and thoughtful, ever-changing environments that teachers implement to fully support our youngest learners. We are proud to support the many programs that adhere to this Play in Practice philosophy.
Family Choice - UPK Options
One of the cornerstones of California's UPK initiative is family choice. We want to support families in choosing the program that best fits their children and their family. The table below offers the choices that are available locally. We strongly suggest that families visit programs to ensure the best fit for their child. Each program type lists contact information for families to schedule a visit and to enroll their child.
| Name | California State Preschool Program (CSPP) | Head Start & Tribal Head Start | Mendocino College Child Development Center (Lab School) | Private Preschools | Transitional Kindergarten (TK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 3- and 4-year olds | 3- and 4-year olds | 3- and 4-year olds | 3- and 4-year olds | Beginning 2025-26, 4-years-old by September 1 |
| What It Is | Preschool program funded by the State of California | Federally-funded preschool program | Preschool program that serves a a lab school for students in Child Development classes | Preschool and childcare programs | Part of the public elementary school system that takes place the year before Kindergarten |
| Schedules | Part-day and full-day options | Programs range from 6 to 8 hours | Part-day and full-day options | Part-day and full-day options determined | Part-day and full-day options determined by school districts |
| Cost | Free, depending on families' income and other factors |
Free, depending on families' income and other factors |
Free or low-cost, depending on families' income and other factors |
Fees determined by individual providers. Families may be eligible for state subsidized vouchers to cover the costs of care | Free to everyone, regardless of income |
| Child/Adult Ratio & Class Size | 1 adult: 5 children; Special Education sites: 1 adult: 4 child ratio Maximum class size: 16 |
NCO Head Start: 1 adult: 6 children Maximum class size: 16 Tribal Head Start: Ratios and group sizes vary by program |
1 adult: 8 children (not including student volunteers) |
Ratios and group sizes vary based on program type |
1 adult: 10 child ratio; Maximum class size: 20 |
| Contact Information | MCOE State Preschool Consortium Website | NCO Head Start Website Pinoleville Native American Head Start Round Valley Indian Tribes Head Start |
Mendocino College Child Website | Rural Communities Child Care Website |
- Is the program developmentally appropriate?
- Does the program reflect your family's culture, language and values?
- Do the teachers and staff speak your home language?
- What are the opportunities for family involvement?
- How do the hours and days offered work for your family?
- What are the options for meals and transportation?
- How does the outdoor play space support physical development?
- Are adaptations and accommodations made for children with individualized needs?
- Does the schedule include time for children to choose to work independently or in small groups, with a limited amount of time for whole group instruction?
- What experience and education do the teachers and staff have to support them working with 3- and 4-year olds?
- Is there a daily plan to guide learning? Is it aligned with the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations?
Program Categories
- California State Preschool Program
- Community College Lab School
- Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) - for TK students only
- Family Child Care Homes
- Head Start
- Private Preschool Centers
- Transitional Kindergarten
- Tribal Head Start and Child Care
Resources
- CA UPK Resources for Families (website)
- CA UPK Facebook (website)
- CA UPK Instagram (website)
- Mendocino County Universal Pre-Kindergarten Plan (2021, MCOE - pdf)
- Mendocino County UPK Mixed Delivery Plan (2023, MCOE - pdf)
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.