California Preschool Program Guidelines PDF Download

Recognizing the importance of providing high-quality preschool education for helping to ensure children's future educational success, this document presents guidelines for what constitutes high-quality programming across a broad spectrum of curriculum and practice for California preschools, taking into account the state's move toward higher expectations for all students. The document is presented in three parts. Part 1 reviews the background and context of early childhood education, with a particular focus on recent developments in the field in California. Part 2 consists of guidelines for all the major areas of a high-quality preschool program, with the themes of special needs, cultural diversity, parent and family involvement, assessment, and professional development woven throughout the document. Part 3 presents a variety of resources for program implementation and improvement. Guidelines, examples, and vignettes in the document offer directions on the best practices for school professionals, drawing on research, the collective professional experience of an expert panel, and on visits to the sites of exemplary programs throughout California and other states. Nine appendices include guideline summaries, a continuum of teaching behaviors, and special needs legislation and services. (KB)