On January 22, 2008, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell formally released the California Preschool Learning Foundations. Superintendent O'Connell stated that these foundations offer our early childhood educators a clear understanding of what our youngest learners should know before entering kindergarten.

History

In 2004, Jack O'Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, initiated the process to develop the Preschool Learning Foundations

The purpose of California's Preschool Learning Foundations is to provide the child development field with research-based competencies, knowledge and skills that we can expect most children to exhibit in a quality program as they complete their first or second year of preschool.

The foundations were developed over a three-year period using an inclusive and deliberative input process, including four statewide stakeholder meetings, 53 public input sessions held throughout the state, four public hearings, and public comment in April, May, and November 2007, through the California Department of Education's (CDE) Web site,Input from the various review opportunities was considered and incorporated as appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions 

To download a copy of Volume 1 of the foundations, click here

To download a copy of Volume 2 of the foundations, click here