Introduction to the California State Preschool Program
2022-23 School Year
2022-23 School Year ![]()
2022-23 School Year
Our California State Preschool Program (CSPP) is a FREE 5-day a week preschool program for those who qualify*. For the CSPP, children must be 3 years of age by December 1st of the school year in which you are enrolling (may begin attending once they turn 3) and be toilet trained**.
* Families must meet eligibility requirements
**Accommodations can be made for students who have a medical condition or disability that directly impacts toileting needs.
The California State Preschool Program operates Monday through Friday, and consists of half-day sessions (AM and PM sessions), which are 3 hours per session. Parents have the opportunity to enroll, depending on the site, either in a morning or afternoon session at one of the preschool sites. This program is fully funded by the California Department of Education and participants must meet the eligibility requirements as set forth by the California Department of Education.
Our CSPP implements an adult to child ratio of 1:8 in all classrooms.
For half-day programs:
- There is a maximum of 16 children per session, with one teacher and one instructional assistant
We also offer language immersion programs:
Our Spanish Immersion Programs are half-day programs with AM and PM sessions. Our Spanish Immersion Programs are located at Las Palmas Elementary, RH Dana Elementary, San Juan Elementary, and Viejo Elementary schools.
For information on our programs or availability, please contact the Early Childhood Programs office at (949) 234-5341
CSPP Eligibility Guidelines
CSPP Eligibility Guidelines ![]()
CSPP Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for the California State Preschool Program, families must meet eligibility guidelines. In order to qualify for the CSPP, a family shall meet the eligibility criteria as follows:
- Family is a current aid recipient;
- Family is income eligible;
- Family is experiencing homelessness; or
- Family has children who are recipients of child protective services, or are identified as at risk of being abused, neglected, or exploited.
After all otherwise eligible families have been enrolled, a part-day CSPP may then enroll:
- Children from families whose income is no more than 15% above the eligibility income threshold.
- Children with exceptional needs as defined in EC Section 8208.
Please review the Income Eligibility Guidelines for more information.