California Preschool Learning Foundations California Department of Education Child Development Division

On January 22, 2008, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack OConnell formally released the foundations during the California State of Education address. With a goal of ensuring that all preschools offer high-quality programs, the California Department of Education developed these preschool learning foundations.

Preschool Learning Foundations

Social- Emotional Development English- Language Development Language and Literacy Mathematics Preschool Learning Foundations ~Domains~

Readiness Gap

Key Findings of the Rand Study Children who attend pre-k score higher on school readiness measures at kindergarten entry. Effective pre-k improves childrens K-12 academic performance. Effective pre-k has long-term benefits.

The purpose of the foundations is to promote understanding of preschool childrens learning and to guide instructional practice. Purpose

The Foundations… are for all children, including children learning English and children with disabilities. They describe the knowledge and skills that young children typically exhibit: at around 48 and 60 months of age; as they complete their first or second year of preschool; with appropriate support; and when attending a high-quality preschool program.

High-Quality Programs Include environments and experiences that encourage active, playful exploration and experimentation purposeful teaching to help children gain knowledge and skills specific support for children learning English specific accommodations and adaptations for children with special needs

FOUNDATIONS Relevant studies Early childhood education standards from other states Well-validated assessment tools Documents from the California Department of Education General sources on culture, early learning, and early childhood education Foundations are based on… …and enhanced with expert practitioners suggestions and examples.

CDE Web site At the Web address, the underlined Preschool Learning Foundations link takes you to the publication. There you will have easy access to the chapters and sections within the 192 page publication. The Appendix, on pages , provides a summary list of the foundations. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are posted on the website. Questions can be sent to

To Purchase The Preschool Learning Foundations publication is available for purchase from the CDE Press for $ Ordering information can be found at the CDE Web site or by calling

What is next? Curriculum framework DRDP-R Other foundation domains

Professional Development Opportunities The California Preschool Instructional Network will provide training opportunities. Check the CPIN Web site at for upcoming training dates. The Faculty Initiative Project will hold seminars for college faculty. Visit for more information.

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