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Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and their family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of their family, community, and society. The desired results of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include a sense of belonging and membership, positive social relationships and friendships, and development and learning to reach their full potential. The defining features of inclusion that can be used to identify high-quality early learning and care programs and services are: access, participation, and supports.

The Early Childhood Department believes that play is the primary context for learning and that social-emotional development is the foundation for school and life success. The district’s early childhood programs, including Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten (TK), promote individualization of learning that includes all children.  Our programs incorporate intentional teaching, developmentally appropriate practices and culturally and linguistically responsive learning experiences that prepare children for school success and foster positive partnerships with families.

The experiences children have during the first five years are critical for proper brain development and building a foundation for future learning. A child’s lifelong attitude toward learning can be enhanced by positive early learning experiences. Early childhood programs provide an emphasis on oral language development, literacy immersion, number sense, social-emotional skills and collaborative experiences that promote cooperation, self-confidence, self-regulation and healthy attitudes about school and learning.

The Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û currently offers free and fee-based preschool programs for families who meet income or other eligibility criteria. These include California State Preschool Program and Special Education Preschool Programs.  Other early childhood programs include Transitional Kindergarten (TK).