About Napa
County’s UPK
Understanding UPKWant to get a quick handle on what UPK really means? Start by checking out the Key Terminology and Age Definitions pages. These will help you make sense of the terms we use and how age affects your child’s eligibility.
WHERE DO I START
Early Care and Education Settings
There are multiple pathways to kindergarten for your child. For the youngest children, between birth to 3-years-old, there are several publicly-funded as well as private options to support your child’s development. Children become eligible for Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) as 3 and 4-year-olds. UPK includes Head Start (known as Child Start, Inc. in Napa County), California State Preschool Program (CSPP), Private Center-Based Programs and Transitional Kindergarten (TK). Once a child turns 5-years of age, they are eligible to begin kindergarten.
Napa County offers a variety of enriching early education options to support your child’s journey to kindergarten. We encourage you to explore these pathways and choose what best fits your family and child’s needs.
Early learning and Private Center-Based Programs
(0-3 years old)
- Early Head Start/Head Start (Child Start, Inc.)
- California State SubsidizedGeneral Child Care (CCTR)
- Licensed Family Child Care Home
- Family, friend, and neighbor caregiver(s)
Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) (3-4 years old)
- Head Start (Child Start, Inc.)
- California State Preschool Program (CSPP)
- Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
- Private Center-Based Programs
- Licensed Family Child Care Homes
Kindergarten (5 years old)
- Starting kindergarten
What is Universal PreKindergarten (UPK)?
Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) in California means that all 4-year-old children can access high-quality preschool before starting kindergarten. UPK helps kids learn, play, and grow in a safe and caring environment, getting them ready for school and life. UPK includes a variety of programs—like Transitional Kindergarten (TK), the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), and others—so families can choose the option that best fits their child’s needs and schedule. California’s UPK system supports parental choice, recognizing that each family and child is unique.
What is Parental Choice?
Parental choice means that families have the right to decide what kind of early learning setting is best for their child. Whether it’s a program at a local public school, a community-based preschool, or a provider that offers care in a home setting, parents can select what works best for their child’s development, language, culture, and daily routine. The goal is to give families options, not one-size-fits-all solutions.
When Can a Child Start UPK?
Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) in California serves children ages 3 and 4 in the years before they enter kindergarten.
When Can a Child Start Kindergarten?
California law sets the date that children can start public kindergarten. A child must be 5-years-old by September 1st of the school year to be eligible for kindergarten. Some children are fully ready for kindergarten, while others may need extra support in preparation for the big day. Remember, children develop skills at different rates. If your child isn’t ready or isn’t eligible for kindergarten, explore your early education options to find the best fit for your child.
It is important to note that some Napa County public and charter schools hold lotteries for slots and may have alternative time frames for registration.
Did You Know?
The Napa County Office of Education provides a list of school districts and charters in Napa County.