How Are California School Districts Planning for Universal Prekindergarten? Results from a 2022 Survey

In 2021, California committed to providing universal prekindergarten (UPK) for all 4-year-olds and income-eligible 3-year-olds by 2025-26. UPK includes several early learning programs, including transitional kindergarten (TK), the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), Head Start, and expanded learning opportunities to provide full-day early learning and care. TK is the only UPK program that is free and universally available as part of California's public education system. Offered by local education agencies (LEAs), TK currently serves all 4-year-olds who turn 5 between September 2 and December 2 and will expand to all 4-year-olds by 2025-26. The legislature also made new investments in CSPP, a program for income-eligible 3- and 4-year-old children. Funding for CSPP is provided by the state through grants to both LEAs and community-based organizations. This report provides a snapshot of 1,108 LEAs' initial plans for UPK expansion through the analysis of a survey administered by the California Department of Education in August 2022. Key findings provide insights into LEA plans for service delivery models, facilities and transportation, instruction and assessment, workforce development, school leader development, and technical assistance needs. Notably: (1) Universal prekindergarten delivery models; (2) Facilities and transportation; (3) Instruction and assessment; (4) Workforce development; (5) Supporting school leaders; (6) Technical assistance needs; and (7) Large district approaches to UPK. These findings may help policymakers and practitioners identify areas for additional investments and supports during UPK implementation, although the authors note several data limitations and caution that initial UPK plans may have shifted over the course of the 2022-23 school year. As California moves forward with the expansion of universal prekindergarten, more research and data collection will be needed.