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Tulare County Council On Child & Youth Development
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  1. Tulare County Kids
  2. Early Care and Education Options 

Early Care and Education Opportunities and Resources

Discover Early Care and Education Options!

Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) includes a variety of early learning programs designed to support your child's growth and development from birth to age 12. UPK revolves around parental choice; therefore, families choose the option that works best for their child.

These programs help children build important skills in all areas of development, setting them up for success now and in the future. Did you know that 80% of a child's brain develops by age 3, and 90% by age 5? That's why starting early matters so much!

Depending on your needs and what's available, your child may attend more than one early learning program. We encourage you to take a few minutes to explore the early learning options in Tulare County and find the best choice for your child and family.

Tulare County Kids Train - Early Childhood Education Options
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Types of Care Options

Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Transitional Kindergarten is available through your local school district. All children who turn the age of 4 by September 1 are eligible to attend, regardless of their independent toileting status. TK is NOT required for children to attend prior to kindergarten, but is one of the many options that are available to children and families.
Prekindergarten (PreK)
Prekindergarten/Preschool is available through California State Preschool Programs, Head Start, and private preschool centers. These programs serve children of various ages across Tulare County. Talk to your local programs to determine if this is an appropriate option for your child.
Special Education (SPED)
Special Education is available through services and settings for children with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Talk to your local school district to determine if this is the appropriate option for your child.
Family, Friend, or Neighbor (FFN)
This is available through a Family, Friend, or Neighbor, also referred to as a Licensed Exempt Provider. This option can serve children of various ages and in various settings, such as in-home or out-of-home care. This could be a grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, older sibling, neighbor, or friend.
Family Child Care Home (FCCH)
Family Child Care Home Providers (FCCH) are licensed to serve either 8 (small license) or 14 ( large license) children at one time. These programs serve children of various ages and are located across Tulare County. Talk to your local FCCH to see if this is an appropriate option for your child.
After School
This is available through local programs before and after traditional school hours. These programs serve children of various ages and in different settings throughout Tulare County. Talk to your local programs to determine if this is an appropriate option for your child.
Additional Education Options
This is available through alternative educational settings such as Infant and Toddler Care, and Home-Based Visiting Programs. These programs serve children of various ages and in different settings throughout Tulare County. Talk to your local programs to determine if this is an appropriate option for your child.

Early Care and Education Resources

Need help in finding early care and education programs in Tulare County?

Tulare County Resource & Referral Services (R&R) is the link between parents and providers in Tulare County. R&R provides parents with facts about quality care and referrals to a variety of child care options. R&R services are free and available to any parent, regardless of income. Contact R&R at (559) 651-0185 or email: referrals@cc.tcoe.org.

To search for available early care and education options in your area, please visit https://mychildcareplan.org.

Need assistance paying for child care?

Connections for Quality Care (CQC), a voucher-based program that offers financial assistance to eligible families, to assist with child care costs. Tulare County families may qualify for free or reduced child care services by qualifying through the alternative payment program, CALWORKS, or other voucher programs. Contact CQC at (559) 651-3026 or email: enroll@tcoe.org.

To find out more about the services that are offered, complete the interest form at: http://www.bit.ly/48anfxO.