| Title: |
Universal PreK Expansion: How Many 3- and 4-Year-Olds Does California Enroll? Brief |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Hanna Melnick; Emma García; Learning Policy Institute |
| Source: |
Learning Policy Institute. 2026. |
| Availability: |
Learning Policy Institute. 1530 Page Mill Road Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94304. Tel: 650-332-9797; e-mail: info@learningpolicyinstitute.org; Web site: https://learningpolicyinstitute.org |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
10 |
| Publication Date: |
2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
Ballmer Group; Heising-Simons Foundation; Kelson Foundation |
| Document Type: |
Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education |
| Descriptors: |
Preschool Education; Access to Education; Child Care; Public Schools; Social Services; Low Income Students; Federal Programs; Enrollment Trends; Transitional Programs |
| Geographic Terms: |
California |
| Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: |
Head Start |
| Abstract: |
In 2021, California committed to making prekindergarten (PreK) universal for all 4-year-olds and income-eligible 3-year-olds. The largest expansion was making transitional kindergarten (TK) universal for all 4-year-olds. Between 2021-22 and 2024-25, TK enrollment increased by more than 100,000 children. Looking across all publicly funded early childhood education (ECE) programs, including the California State Preschool Program, Head Start, and subsidized child care, California made great strides in serving 4-year-olds, with approximately 62% enrolled in 2024-25. The state also made progress, albeit slowly, among 3-year-olds. In 2019-20, California enrolled 21% of all 3-year-olds in publicly funded ECE. In 2024-25, it enrolled 25% of all 3-year-olds, comprising 44% of 3-year-olds from families with low incomes. California is on a positive trajectory but still has substantial work ahead to guarantee that all families who want to enroll their child in preschool have access. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
ED681206 |
| Database: |
ERIC |