Success in school begins even before a child goes to kindergarten. That’s why First 5 San Diego launched its School Readiness Initiative in 2002. The School Readiness program forms the foundation of early childhood education in San Diego by helping children improve their physical, social, emotional and thinking skills.

The School Readiness program also encourages parents to become involved early in their child’s education, provides additional trainings for teachers, and builds partnerships between San Diego preschools and elementary schools.

Eight school districts participate in the School Readiness program. Cajon Valley, National City, San Diego San Ysidro and Vista offer preschool Escondido and Oceanside have parent/child centers. Chula Vista has programs for children with special needs.

Special Needs Demonstration Project

The Chula Vista Elementary School District is one of 10 test sites across California that identifies children ages 5 and under with developmental delays and provides services for them and their families. The goal is to identify and support children with delays early so that they have the best chance to succeed in school and become more confident members of the community.

CARES (Comprehensive Approaches to Raising Educational Standards)

High quality childcare and preschool play an important role in preparing children for kindergarten. To help ensure that children in San Diego County have the best early learning experience possible, First 5 San Diego provides funding to preschool teachers, teaching assistants and family childcare providers who attend college to further their education.

The goal of the CARES program is to raise the quality of early childhood education for all children. By supporting teachers in their effort to enhance knowledge and skills, First 5 is helping to improve the quality of early learning in local communities.

First 5 works to make sure that all children have the same opportunities to succeed in school and to have the best education so they can become confident and successful members of the community. For more information, call 1-888-5 FIRST 5 (1-888-534-7785).

Click here for more information on school readiness and early childhood education in San Diego.

Promoting Your Child's Development and School Readiness
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