Preschool Program![]()
Three years ago, the SMFCSD set out to transform the preschool landscape across our community. Today, we are proud to offer expanded, equitable access to early education for hundreds of young learners and their families.
Access to high-quality early education is one of the most critical investments a community can make. Recognizing this growing need, the District committed to opening new preschool classrooms to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning of their educational journey.
In Fall 2021, the District launched a major expansion of its early learning programs through the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), marking a strategic investment in equity, early literacy, and school readiness—not just an increase in classrooms. Since then, enrollment has surged from 164 to 541 students, a remarkable 300% increase that reflects both the growing demand for early education and the District’s steadfast commitment to supporting families. To meet this rising need, eight new preschool classrooms have been established across neighborhood schools, seven of which are funded by CSPP to provide tuition-free access for qualifying families. By placing these classrooms within elementary schools, the District has effectively reduced transportation barriers while fostering stronger connections between families and school communities. This thoughtful integration also helps students transition more smoothly into Kindergarten, entering with familiar environments and established relationships.
The impact is clear. According to the District’s 2022 L3 Report, 76% of students who attended District preschool programs were reading at grade level by third grade—significantly outpacing peers without early education access. This data underscores the role of early literacy skills as a powerful predictor of lifelong academic success. Furthermore, the District’s full inclusion model ensures that every preschooler—regardless of background, language, or ability—receives targeted support in areas such as social-emotional learning, language and literacy, early mathematics, and motor development. These supports create a strong foundation for both academic achievement and personal growth. The District remains firmly dedicated to expanding access, improving quality, and ensuring every child enters Kindergarten ready to thrive. Click the link below to begin the enrollment process today.
Preschool Curriculum
Our preschool and school-age programs follow the California Department of Education, Child Development Division guidelines. We acknowledge the multiple intelligences of the whole child by providing developmentally appropriate practices, play-based curriculum, and a balance of teacher and child directed activities.
Our curriculum focuses on ensuring effective learning by providing an environment that allows all children to learn through discovery and play. Our curriculum is based on the California Preschool Learning Foundations and GLAD theories. These teachings and theories are implemented into a curriculum designed to support each child’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, literacy and physical development in an age and developmentally appropriate manner. We believe that children learn best through their interaction with hands on tangible materials, other children and caring adults.
STATE LAW SB 792
Effective September 1, 2016 day care centers and preschools are required to maintain vaccination records for influenza, pertussis, measles and TB for their employees and “volunteers” working with the children. Community Care Licensing recently clarified that any parent interacting or engaging with their child or another child in a preschool classroom is considered a “volunteer.” Therefore, effective August 15, 2017 any parent who wishes to enter a preschool classroom will be required to provide documentation of influenza, pertussis, measles and TB. Parents will not be required to provide immunization documentation if they drop-off and pick-up their children outside of the classroom.