About PUSD Preschool
Our PUSD Preschool
The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) Preschool program welcomes you and your child to our early learning community. Our program is designed to offer a school readiness pathway for the youngest learners in our district. Although our programs are optional-use and fee-based, being housed on PUSD school sites promotes a close connection to our TK-5 elementary schools where our young students will ultimately continue their educational journey.
Our licensed programs may serve children between the ages of 2 to 3 years old. We are a developmentally-based program that is guided by the California Preschool Learning Foundations and California Preschool Curriculum Frameworks which allows us to align our curriculum and classroom activities to prepare our students for entry into PUSD’s Transitional or Traditional Kindergarten classrooms. We encourage learning through a combination of early learning instruction in small and large groups, play both inside and outside of the classroom, and multiple opportunities for working on social and emotional development.
Our preschool programs have an open door policy to encourage partnership with parents. In all classrooms, communication between home and school is encouraged and expected. We look forward to partnering with you to enhance your child’s development. In the classroom, teachers and instructional assistants must maintain specific levels of child development units, permits or credentials. Our preschool programs provide nurturing and welcoming environments where your child is encouraged to learn, grow and develop essential skills.
Please understand that all our programs take place in fully licensed classrooms. These programs are guided by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and are subject to compliance review from the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) on an on-going basis. Many of the requirements outlined in this handbook are dictated by CCLD regulations and must be implemented in specific ways to ensure compliance with state guidelines. PUSD Preschool maintains these licenses to operate during hours before and after traditional school hours to offer childcare services to our families outside of the preschool instructional program time.
Our Programs
We are excited to offer two pathways to preschool, which are both designed to support your child’s growth and development. Both State Funded and Tuition Based programs are specially tailored to meet the needs of 3-year-olds, helping them build a strong foundation for future learning.
STATE FUNDED PROGRAM (Enrollment Begins April 15, 2025)
The state-funded program provides no-cost early learning opportunities to income-eligible families through state and federal funding. To qualify for enrollment in a state-funded program, families must provide income documentation and meet state and/or federal income guidelines. Families experiencing homelessness, receiving government assistance, or with a referral from Child Protective Services are also eligible.
- HeadStart 6-hour Program: PUSD Preschool offers 6-hour preschool programs in partnership with CAPSLO (Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County). They are collaboratively funded through CSPP (California State Preschool Program) & Head Start and follow federal income eligibility criteria.
- Part Day State Funded 3.5-hour Program: This is a state-funded 3.5-hour program through CSPP (California State Preschool Program) and follow state income eligibility criteria
TUITION BASED PROGRAM (Interest List NOW OPEN!)
This is a fee based program that offers both Full Day and Part Day classes for families. PUSD Preschool's programs provide high-quality early learning experiences for students throughout the year. Families must submit an Interest Application to be considered a spot for their child(ren).
This is a fee based program that offers both Full Day and Part Day classes for families. PUSD Preschool's programs provide high-quality early learning experiences for students throughout the year. Families must submit an Interest Application to be considered a spot for their child(ren).
- Full Day 12 Month Program: This program operates August 2025 to August 2026. remaining open during most breaks and summer. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Full Day 10 Month Program: The 10 month programs follow the elementary school calendar, running from August to June. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Part Day 10 Month Program: The program runs for 3.5 hours per day (e.g., 8:00–11:30 AM), with exact hours varying by school site.