State Preschool Programs
California State Preschool Program
The State Preschool Program, funded by the California Department of Education’s Child Development Division, is a preschool program for children between the ages of three (child's birthday should be on or before December 1st) and five years who are from low-income families. As a child-centered program, State Preschool adds to a joyful childhood and is filled with inviting developmental learning experiences. In partnership with parents, children are prepared for success in school and community.
Curriculum
A developmentally appropriate curriculum addresses the cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development of each child. The home languages of all children are welcomed by the teachers in a language and literacy-rich environment. Respect and support for the home language and culture, the family, and the community provide the focus for bridging the home and the preschool. Parent involvement is encouraged, and parent support is provided through linking families to local community resources.
Continuous Improvement
Children’s growth and development are assessed twice a year using the Desired Results Developmental Profile. Teachers regularly adjust the curriculum, based on their observations of the children, to engage the children’s interest and maximize learning. Two conferences with parents are scheduled each year and parents are invited to speak with the teachers about their child at any time. Programs will ask families to complete the Desired Results Family Survey as results from the survey are used to ensure that families needs are met.
Offerings
The half-day (3 to 3 1/2 hours per day) and full-day (4 to 11 hours per day) services of the State Preschool Program are available to families who are at or under the income ceilings shown on the eligibility page. The part-day and full-day State Preschool Program is based on a sliding fee scale. Most of the programs are half-day, either morning or afternoon, and a few programs are full-day. In San Mateo County, State Preschool serves children in all areas, from coastside to bayside, and from Daly City in the north to East Palo Alto in the south.
Eligibility for State Preschool
Age
California State Preschool Program (CSPP) agencies can serve children who will turn three years of age on or before December 1st of the current school year, or once they have turned three years old from December 2nd and on.
Income
Children who are receiving Child Protection Services or who are at risk of abuse or neglect are served first, without regard to income. Families must be low income (except for Child Protection Services children). The chart below shows the maximum monthly incomes* for families of different sizes, effective July 1, 2025.
| Family Size | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | $8,071 | $96,854 |
| 3 | $9,159 | $109,904 |
| 4 | $10,612 | $127,338 |
| 5 | $12,309 | $147,712 |
| 6 | $14,007 | $168,086 |
| 7 | $14,326 | $171,906 |
| 8 | $14,644 | $175,726 |
| 9 | $14,962 | $179,547 |
| 10 | $15,281 | $183,367 |
| 11 | $15,599 | $187,187 |
| 12 or more | $15,917 | $191,007 |
*If you are over the maximum income ceiling, talk to the Care Providers as there might still be a chance of receiving care on a case-by-case basis.