California State Preschool Program
CALIFORNIA STATE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (CSPP)
Effective July 1, 2009, Assembly Bill No. 2759 consolidates funding for State Preschool and General Child Care contracts that currently provide services to eligible three-and four-year-old children in a center-based setting to create the California State Preschool Program, the largest state-funded preschool program in the nation. The CSPP will have the flexibility of offering part-day services and full-day services depending on the need of the families. All children must turn three or four years of age before the school district’s age cut off (currently September 1st ) of the fiscal year they are receiving services.
Half-Day Program
The part day program operates ten (10) months annually starting in August and ending in May. It is offered to children who are 3 to 4 years of age and whose families meet income eligibility requirements set forth by the California Department of Education. The program operates in two (2) sessions; a morning session from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and an afternoon session from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
Full-Day Program
The full day, full year program operates twelve (12) months, or 246 days, per year from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. The program is designed for preschool aged children 3 to 4 years. Part day preschool instruction is set from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday thru Friday. Families who wish to extend their hours in this program must meet “need” eligibility set forth by Title 5 Regulations, as well as “income” eligibility guidelines set forth by the California Department of Education. Typically services are at no cost to participating families; any applicable fees are based upon family size and income. The full day, full year program is only offered at the Rachel Holliday Children’s Center.