Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) is California's initiative to ensure every young child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities before entering kindergarten. UPK includes Transitional Kindergarten (TK), the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), Head Start, and licensed community-based early learning programs, giving families multiple options to meet their child's developmental and childcare needs.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program offered through public schools. It provides age-appropriate learning experiences that help children build the academic, social-emotional, and developmental skills needed for success in kindergarten and beyond.
California's mixed delivery system brings together school districts, state preschools, Head Start programs, and licensed child care providers to offer families flexible, high-quality early learning options. This approach recognizes that every family has unique needs and allows parents to choose the program that best fits their child's learning style, schedule, and care needs.
All California families—regardless of income or immigration status—can explore UPK opportunities for their children.
For families looking for more information regarding UPK, check out this great site from California's Great Start.
