Universal Prekindergarten Mixed Delivery Systems
California aims to achieve universal prekindergarten (UPK) for all 3- and 4-year-olds by utilizing the existing early learning and care mixed delivery system. The introduction of programs like transitional kindergarten (TK) and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program is not meant to replace this mixed delivery system.
The state has invested in the UPK mixed delivery system by increasing reimbursement rates, providing monthly stipends for licensed providers, extending the hold harmless policy through June 2025, and reducing family fee rates. These investments support early learning and care mixed delivery providers but additional investments are necessary to assist families in the subsidy gap, private providers not benefiting from these advantages, and to enhance wages for early educators.
For a deeper understanding of the complex UPK mixed delivery system and an opportunity to contribute feedback for improvement, you can participate in the state's UPK Mixed Delivery Quality and Access Workgroup meetings. You can find information about this workgroup and meetings on the
California Educators Together website.
To foster UPK collaboration, the California Department of Education (CDE) recommends that districts establish connections with existing providers within their enrollment attendance boundary. Creating a map of schools and child care sites in your district will assist school personnel in identifying nearby providers. These partnerships are essential for offering full-day care programs and meeting the needs of families. To learn more about creating a district map with nearby early learning and care programs, you can watch our
Map it Out webinar.
Who is included in San Diego County’s UPK mixed delivery system?
San Diego County has a mixed delivery system for early learning and care that includes both private (tuition-based) and publicly funded (subsidized) providers. Private providers typically adhere to Title 22 regulations, while publicly funded providers often comply with both Title 22 and Title 5 regulations. Publicly funded providers can be voucher-based or direct contractors with the state or federal government. Here's a brief list of publicly funded/subsidized provider types, with some offering multiple funding sources, both public and private.
Voucher-based child care programs offer families the flexibility to choose licensed child care centers, family child care homes, or license-exempt care for their children. These programs include:
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CalWORKs Stage One Child Care: Provides child care for CalWORKs families as they engage in welfare-to-work activities, available until they've been off cash aid for 24 months.
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CalWORKs Stage Two Child Care: Supports stable CalWORKs families, with the option to continue in Stage One or Stage Two until 24 months off cash aid.
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CalWORKs Stage Three Child Care: For families who exhausted Stage 1 or 2 after being off cash aid, available if funding and income criteria are met.
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Alternative Payment Program: Provides vouchers to low-income families, assisting those enrolled in CalWORKs Child Care or California State Preschool Program in arranging and paying for child care services.
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Migrant Alternative Payment Program: Offers vouchers to eligible migrant families for child care services, including children with exceptional needs during agricultural work relocations.
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Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children: Addresses child care barriers for foster families and parenting youth, offering time-limited vouchers and support.
Additionally, Title 5 Subsidized Child Care contracts includes:
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General Child Care and Development: State and federally funded programs, operated by public or private agencies, providing child development services, meals, parent education, and staff development.
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Migrant Child Care and Development Programs: Offering culturally and developmentally appropriate care for migrant children.
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Family Child Care Education Home Networks: Consortia of licensed family child care homes offering subsidized care, parenting education, referrals, and training.
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California State Preschool Program: Administered by the CDE, offering developmentally appropriate curriculum, meals, parent education, referrals, and staff development.
Federally funded early learning and care providers may offer Head Start/Early Head Start services. Head Start/Early Head Start is a national program serving low-income children from birth to school entry, California's Head Start program combines funding sources to provide comprehensive services. The California Head Start State Collaboration Office facilitates collaboration among Head Start agencies and entities, aiming to benefit low-income children and their families.
San Diego County is home to one of the state's largest military child care communities and numerous tribal child care programs. The UPK mixed delivery system encompasses all early learning and care provider types, including military and tribal providers.
If you have inquiries about San Diego County's UPK mixed delivery system or wish to learn more about specific provider types, please contact
Dezerie "Dez" Martinez.
