UPK
Universal Preschool (UPK)
Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) expands California’s mixed-delivery early learning system to ensure every 3- and 4-year-old has access to high-quality early education. UPK offers families more options that fit their needs and values, including Transitional Kindergarten (TK).
By increasing access to play-based, developmentally appropriate learning, UPK supports children’s healthy growth and helps ensure they enter kindergarten ready to thrive. It is a key part of transforming California’s schools to better serve children and families.
This webpage provides information and resources to support UPK implementation and expansion in San Francisco—for families, educators, and community partners working together to create strong beginnings for every child.
Vision and Strategies for UPK in San Francisco
The UPK Mixed Delivery Initiative uses a coordinated and community-centered approach to expanding early learning within a mixed-delivery system of public schools and community-based early education programs.
Oversight Structure
UPK Mixed Delivery Steering Committee
Comprised of representatives from:San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)
San Francisco Child Care Planning and Advisory Council (CPAC)
Department of Early Childhood (DEC)
Children’s Council of San Francisco
Wu Yee Children’s Services
UPK Mixed Delivery Workgroup
Includes center-based and family child care providers, resource and referral agencies, community-based organizations, and policy partners who support implementation and day-to-day coordination of UPK expansion.
Interested in joining? Click here to fill out our Interest Form.
This collaborative structure ensures that UPK activities reflect the needs of children and families, strengthen alignment across our early childhood system, and help identify opportunities for ongoing improvement.
Click here for our Events Calendar!
Our Vision
We envision a city where every every child enters kindergarten ready to learn and thrive. We believe that all families—regardless of background, income, or neighborhood—deserve access to high-quality early learning options that work for them.
Key Strategies
Collaborative Efforts
- UPK Mixed Delivery Workgroup: The Workgroup discusses San Francisco's UPK vision and efforts, collaborating on implementing the plan to leverage and align resources.
- Regular Meetings: Regular updates and discussions happen frequently in CPAC meetings and other venues to collect community input and ensure continuous alignment.
Community Development
- Broad Stakeholder Participation: Engaging a wide range of stakeholders within the mixed-delivery system through regular in-person and virtual meetings.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Recording and disseminating discussions to gather feedback from the community through CPAC meetings and focus groups.
Priority Areas
- Access and Information: Ensuring families have access to necessary resources and information.
- Data: Utilizing data to inform decisions and improve practices.
- Workforce Development: Enhancing the skills and capabilities of early childhood educators.
- Support for Special Needs: Prioritizing support for children with special needs and disabilities.
Professional Development
- Multilingual Support: Focusing on the development of multilingual learners and educators.
- Inclusive Practices: Promoting inclusive and effective educational settings for all children.
Commitment to Excellence
We are dedicated to building a robust early childhood education system by strategically emphasizing collaboration, professional development, and community involvement.
Click here for more information about our UPK Mixed Delivery Workgroup and related resources.
California Department of Education (CDE) UPK
UPK Partnership Guidebook
Resources to create a common understanding of UPK and facilitate essential partnerships between family serving organizations, community-based organizations, and local education agencies.
CDE UPK Resources for Families and Providers
For parents or caregivers looking for information about UPK and TK in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding California state law relating to Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK)