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Welcome to UPK (info sheet)

 
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HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN (UPK)?

 
Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) is California’s way of providing early care and education choices for 3-and 4-year-old children. Attending an early care and education program prepares children to succeed in school and gives them an opportunity to meet new friends. All families can participate in UPK, no matter their income or immigration status. 
 

What are the different types of UPK programs?

  • Family child care homes are licensed programs that offer care to children of different ages in a home setting. A program may be free or charge a fee.
  • Transitional kindergarten (TK) is an early education program for 4-year-olds offered at most elementary schools. It is free to all families regardless of how much money they earn.
  • Child care and education centers are licensed programs that offer early care and education services to children of different ages in a school-like setting. A program may be free or charge a fee.
 

Is my child old enough for UPK? 

All 3-year-olds can go to:
•    Family Child Care Homes
•    Child Care & Education Centers
All 4-year-olds can go to:
•    Family Child Care Homes
•    Child Care & Education Centers
All 4-year-olds born by September 1st can go to:
•    Family Child Care Homes
•    Child Care & Education Centers
•    Transitional Kindergarten
 

Do I have to pay for UPK?

It depends on which program you choose. Some programs are free and some charge a fee. You can get help paying those fees through programs like Head Start, California State Preschool, and Alternative Payment Programs. This assistance is based on your income and household size.
 
•    Head Start and California State Preschool Programs are offered at child care and education centers.
•    Alternative Payment assistance is accepted by most family child care homes and child care and education centers.
•    Elementary schools offer transitional kindergarten for free regardless of income. 
 

How can UPK help my child?

 
Providing your child with quality experiences with a caring professional in a safe space is priceless. Early care and education programs give children a chance to:
 
•    Make Friends: Play, share, and cooperate.
•    Gain Independence: Try new things and build confidence. 
•    Meet New People: Appreciate everyone's uniqueness.
•    Move and Play: Improve physical skills.
•    Prepare for School: Learn numbers, letters, 
•    shapes, and ease into kindergarten.
•    Stay Curious: Ask questions and explore.
 

How do I find a UPK provider in my neighborhood?

 
  • To find early care and education options in your area: Call (800) 822-5777 ext. 25030. Visit: https://childdev.pusd.org/apps/pages/Referrals
  • To see which elementary schools offer transitional kindergarten, contact your school district. Find your district here or scan the QR Code.
  • To learn if you can get help with costs, contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency. Find yours Pomona Unified School District - Resource and Referral, Call (800) 822-5777 ext. 25700 Visit: https://childdev.pusd.org/apps/pages/Application