California Pre K Curriculum & Preschool Curriculum Guide
Everything school owners, directors, and pre k teachers in California need to know about pre k and preschool curriculum standards, licensing, funding, and choosing a program that meets state requirements.
California pre k early learning standards
The official curriculum framework for preschools in California is the California Preschool Learning Foundations and California Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Foundations. You can read the full standards on the state education site.
IPC maps to all California Preschool Learning Foundations domains and includes a DRDP-aligned observation workflow so teachers can capture evidence in the moment.
Funding programs for California pre k and preschools
Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Free public school for every 4-year-old by 2025-26, funded through the LCFF.
California State Preschool Program (CSPP)
Part-day and full-day preschool for income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds.
CalWORKs Child Care
Subsidies for families receiving public assistance and transitioning to work.
California licensing requirements at a glance
Teachers must hold a Child Development Permit issued by the CTC
DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile) assessment required twice yearly for state-funded programs
Mandatory health and safety training including pediatric CPR and first aid
Staff-to-child ratios: 1:4 (infants), 1:6 (toddlers), 1:12 (preschool)
IPC: a California-aligned pre k and preschool curriculum
IPC is trusted by 20,000+ schools and 60,000+ teachers across 98 countries. Activities, themes, assessments, and parent reports are mapped to California Preschool Learning Foundations and California Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Foundations, and the platform handles licensing documentation so directors in California spend more time with children and less time on paperwork.
How to start a pre k or preschool in California
Licensing through California Department of Social Services, staff ratios, funding routes like Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and the pre k curriculum decisions that satisfy California Preschool Learning Foundations and California Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Foundations, all in one step-by-step guide for California founders and directors.
FAQ: Pre k & preschool curriculum in California
What pre k curriculum standards does California require?
California pre k and preschool programs follow California Preschool Learning Foundations and California Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Foundations. IPC maps to all California Preschool Learning Foundations domains and includes a DRDP-aligned observation workflow so teachers can capture evidence in the moment.
Who licenses pre k and preschool programs in California?
California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division oversees child care licensing in California, including background checks, ratios, health and safety, and curriculum approval where required.
What public funding is available for pre k in California?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK): Free public school for every 4-year-old by 2025-26, funded through the LCFF. California State Preschool Program (CSPP): Part-day and full-day preschool for income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. CalWORKs Child Care: Subsidies for families receiving public assistance and transitioning to work.
Can IPC be used as a pre k curriculum in California?
Yes. IPC's activities, lesson plans, and assessments are mapped to California Preschool Learning Foundations and California Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Foundations and trusted by 20,000+ schools in 98 countries. Pre k and preschool teachers in California use IPC alongside the documentation expected by California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division.
Is there a free pre k curriculum I can use in California?
Yes. IPC offers 20,000+ free pre k and preschool activities aligned to every major framework, including California Preschool Learning Foundations and California Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Foundations. Schools that want assessments, parent reports, and operations tools upgrade to a paid plan.