California has implemented a statewide initiative to provide a strong and early start to education for all children through equitable access to Universal PreKindergarten (UPK).

RCOE's Early Education Services is working with school districts, California State Preschool Programs, Head Start Programs, private preschools, and child care providers to ensure that quality early learning programs are available to all families.

What is UPK or P3?

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), also known as “preschool access for all,” and P3, is a policy framework that ensures any family who wants to enroll their preschool-aged child in a publicly funded, pre-kindergarten care and education program has the opportunity to make that choice.

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Universal PreKindergarten Programs

UPK can be accessed through many programs in the community including:

• Transitional Kindergarten (TK), provided by local school districts
• California State Preschool Program (CSPP), operated by school districts and community-based organizations
• Federal Head Start Programs
• Subsidized programs that provide a preschool learning experience and are operated by community-based organizations, including family child care
• Private preschools

Families with four-year-old children have the choice to send them to any program for which their child is eligible. Universal PreKindergarten programs, including Transitional Kindergarten, are optional.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Eligibility

California is phasing in TK for younger students, as shown in the table below. By the 2025-2026 school year, all children who are 4 years old by September 1 will be eligible to enroll in TK through their local school district.

Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) will bring together programs across early learning and K-12, relying heavily on Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) and California State Preschool Program (CSPP), as well as Head Start, community-based organizations (CBOs), licensed Family Child Care homes, and private preschool to ensure every four-year old child – regardless of background, race, zip code, immigration status, or income level – has access to a quality learning experience the year before kindergarten.

Transitional Kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. Pursuant to law, Ed. Code 48000[c] and Senate Bill 1381.

Local school districts may have a policy that allows eligibility to include younger children. Please contact your local school district for additional information.

What is an Inclusive Classroom?

An inclusive classroom is a learning environment in which students with and without disabilities learn together in the same classroom. Inclusive classrooms are designed to support the academic and social needs of all students, regardless of their differences.

About TK
The bridge between preschool and Kindergarten for California's children.

Universal PreKindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten
CDE resources for meeting the UPK timelines, including:

• UPK Planning and Implementation Grant Program Planning Template 
• UPK Planning and Implementation Program Guidance

Universal PreKindergarten FAQs
Frequently asked questions regarding California state law relating to Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK).

California Preschool Learning Foundations
Outline of the key knowledge and skills that most children can achieve when given the benefits of a high-quality preschool program.

More information about TK

California Department of Education PK through Third Grade P-3 Alignment

For more information on UPK and TK services, please contact the RCOE UPK team at upk@rcoe.us.