A Short Guide to Preschool

Choosing a Preschool Program: A Guide for Parents

 

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Child Care Resource Center is committed to helping parents find quality licensed preschool programs in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys.  CCRC's Resource and Referral department is available to provide referrals to parents for the following types of preschool programs.

Private Preschool Centers

These centers are privately owned businesses that are licensed to operate in a public building.

  • Parents generally pay 100% of the tuition fee unless they are enrolled in a child care financial assistance (subsidy) program. To find out more about child care financial assistance programs offered by CCRC, visit help paying for child care.  Some private preschool centers have a sliding scale for low income parents.  Parents should contact centers directly for this information once they receive a list of referrals.
  • As private institutions, these preschools may have a religious or culturally specific curriculum.  

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Family Child Care (FCC) Preschool Programs

Family child care programs are owned and operated by licensed family child care providers in private homes.

  • Parents are responsible for 100% of the tuition fee unless they are enrolled in a child care subsidy program.  Most family child care providers do not have a sliding scale. 
  • As private institutions they may have a religious or culturally specific curriculum.

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 Subsidized (Financial Assistance) Preschool Programs

 These are preschool programs that are free or at a reduced cost to families because of public funding sources such as the county, the state and the Department of Education.  These programs are mostly part time programs and, due to public funding, cannot have a religious or culturally specific curriculum.

  • Early Education Centers:  Early Education Centers are funded and operated through a variety of sources.  Most centers serve children from two to five years of age.  Income requirements state that parents must be at or below 75% of the state median income.  The family or child must have a qualifying need such as employment, training, seeking employment, etc.

  • Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP):  LAUP programs serve four year old children throughout the Los Angeles area.  To learn more about LAUP, go to www.laup.net.  Requirements for this program vary from site to site so you will need to contact each site directly for specifics.
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  • School Readiness Language Development Program (SRLDP) / Parent Cooperative:  SRLDP programs are located on LAUSD school sites, are funded through LAUSD, and serve only four year olds.  This program is available at no cost to families and has no income requirements.  However, parents are required to attend parent education classes and attend monthly parent meetings during school hours.  Many SRLDP programs give enrollment preference to families who live in their schools designated service area but it is not a requirement.
  • State Preschool Programs:  State preschool programs are also located at many LAUSD school sites and serve children who are three and four years old.  To qualify for this program parents must supply documentation demonstrating an economic need but parents are not required to live in the school’s designated service area.  CCRC’s Resource and Referral department can help you locate a state preschool site in your area.
  • Head Start Program:  Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for low income families that serves three and four year olds with enrollment preference given to four year olds.  The Head Start program has income guidelines but these are waived for children who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or are in the foster care system.  You can reach the CCRC's Head Start program directly by calling (818) 717-1000, ext. 4515.  Click here to locate Head Start programs outside the San Fernando Valley.

  • Other Child Care Financial Assistance Programs:  Quality preschool programs can also be found at community colleges, parks and recreation centers and community centers like the YMCA.  CCRC will include these additional types of centers in the referral list when you call the Resource and Referral department and request a list of funded preschool centers.  

If you have any questions or would like assistance choosing a preschool program, please call CCRC's School Readiness or Resource and Referral Department at (818) 717-1000 or send us an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .