FAQ

Early childhood is a critical time for development, with 90% of a child’s brain developing by age five and the first two years playing a key role in forming secure attachments. Quality early education supports kindergarten readiness, helps children build self-control and resilience, and provides valuable opportunities to learn and socialize with peers. Research also shows that children who participate in early education programs are more likely to graduate from high school.

Child care, and early education, both describe programs where families receive child care services and children learn. They mean the same thing and are referred to collectively as child care and early education.

Child Care and Early Education Center:
Child care and early education centers provide a school-like environment where children learn and play with peers in classrooms organized by age. These programs are led by trained early childhood educators who have completed at least 12 college units in early childhood education. Teacher-to-child ratios typically range from one adult for every 8 to 12 children, and families can choose between half-day and full-day schedules based on their needs.

Family Child Care Home:

Family child care homes offer a licensed, home-based setting where children receive care and early learning in a smaller group. These programs are led by qualified caregivers and often include children of different ages learning together. Ratios are generally one adult for up to eight children in smaller homes, or two adults for up to 14 children in larger ones. Many family child care homes also provide flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and can be a more affordable option for families compared to larger centers.

Transitional Kindergarten:

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a free program offered at public elementary schools for children who are four years old. It is taught by credentialed teachers and is designed to prepare children for kindergarten. TK programs may be offered as half-day or full-day options, and some schools also provide before- and after-school care.

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care:

Family, Friend, and Neighbor care is provided by someone you know, such as a relative, friend, or neighbor, either in your home or theirs. This type of care is often very flexible in schedule and arrangement. It is generally not formally regulated, and costs can range from free to paid depending on the arrangement.

Universal PreKindergarten provides 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 a chance to meet new friends. All families can participate in Universal Prekindergarten, no matter their income or immigration status.

• Child care and early education centers are licensed programs that offer early care and education to children of different ages in a school-like setting. There are free, low cost, and paid options.
• Family Child Care Homes are licensed programs that offer care to children of different ages in a home setting. There are free, low cost, and paid options.
• 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.
• Family, Friend, and Neighbor care is provided by a relative, friend, or neighbor in your home or their home. There are free, low cost, and paid options.

Families have several early learning options to choose from. All 3- and 4-year-old children can enroll in child care centers or family child care homes, and children who turn 4 on or before September 1 are eligible for free Transitional Kindergarten (TK), which helps prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

These resources can help you find PreK options across LA County:

• Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles: Visit ccala.net or call (888) 922-4453
• My Child Care Plan: Visit MyChildCarePlan.org
• Find Your School District: childcare.lacounty.gov/maps/

LA County has great resources and support to answer questions and help you find child care options for your family.

• Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies

Child Care Resource & Referral agencies provide personalized help finding licensed child care programs and information about payment assistance. Visit Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles at ccala.net or call (888) 922-4453

• My Child Care Plan

My Child Care Plan provides online information about licensed child care programs across California. Visit mychildcareplan.org

• Early Head Start and Head Start

Eligible families may qualify for Early Head Start or Head Start programs, which offer free early education and comprehensive family support services. To learn more, visit prekkid.org or call the Los Angeles County Office of Education at (877) 773-5543.

• Elementary Schools

Elementary schools provide transitional kindergarten (TK) programs for 4 year olds.
Visit childcare.lacounty.gov/maps/

When choosing a child care program for your child, consider asking some of these questions:

• Child’s Development & Learning – Each child has unique needs and different ways in which they learn. Question to ask: What activities take place at your child care that support learning?
• Daily Routines – Routines in child care programs help children develop respect for themselves and others. Question to ask: Can you tell me about your program’s daily schedule?
• Child Care Site Safety – Child care programs provide safe environments for children to learn and grow. Question to ask: What health and safety guidelines does your program follow?
• Nutrition and Meals – Nutrition is part of healthy development and nutritional needs for children vary. Question to ask: How many meals are provided a day and can you share a sample menu?
• Child’s Records – During enrollment, child care programs may ask for various documents. Question to ask: What paperwork is needed to begin services?

Download these 5 Tips for choosing child care.

Yes! Many programs help families pay for child care.  Here are some ways you can locate free and low-cost programs.

• Visit Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles (CCALA) www.ccala.net to get connected to a referral agency who can tell you if you qualify for a child care payment voucher.
• Ask your local child care and early education center or family child care home if they offer free or low-cost programs. Some free programs include Early Head Start, Head Start, California State Preschool Program, or General Child Care.
• Go to your local elementary school and ask what child care and early education

You may qualify for free or low-cost child care programs based on:

• Family income (if your income is below certain levels)
• Government aid (if you receive CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CFAP, Social Security, or WIC)
• Special circumstances (if you receive services from the Department of Social Services or the Department of Children and Family Services)

To find out if you can get help paying for a Prekindergarten program visit CCALA.net to find your local resource and referral agency (R&R).