Dear Colleague,

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.

In an effort to partner with parents in the education of their preschool children, key sections of the publication are available and have been translated to support parents' understanding of the preschool learning foundations, their purpose, and what they describe as the knowledge and skills that children typically attain at 48 and 60 months of age. The translations include traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Pilipino (Tagalog), Spanish, and Vietnamese, and are based on the prevalent non-English languages spoken by parents of preschool children in California.

Foreword by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell
Available Translations of the Foreword by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell

Introduction to the Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1
Available Translations of the Introduction to the Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1

Appendix to the Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1(DOC; 151KB; 17pp.)
Available Translations of the Appendix to the Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1

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.

Now Available! Preschool Learning Foundations Information Power points (ppt)

The 3-hour Foundations Overview and the 1-hour Foundations Overview Powerpoints are now available for download. You may also download a 15 minute information session about the Preschool Learning Foundations. Both presentations include ordering information for a print version of the Preschool Learning Foundations.

Preschool Learning Foundation Maps

One (1) page maps of the available preschool learning foundations: