Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

CA Preschool Learning Foundations

The original California (CA) Preschool Learning Foundations, Volumes 1 through 3.

California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1

The California Preschool Learning Foundations outline key knowledge and skills that most children can achieve when provided with the kinds of interactions, instruction, and environments that research has shown to promote early learning and development. The foundations can provide early childhood educators, parents, and the public with a clear understanding of the wide range of knowledge and skills that preschool children typically attain when given the benefits of a high-quality preschool program.

The foundations were developed using an inclusive and deliberative input process, including statewide stakeholder meetings, public input sessions held throughout the state, public hearings, and public comment. Input from the various review opportunities was considered and incorporated as appropriate.

On January 22, 2008, the California Department of Education (CDE) released the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1 (PDF; 5MB). Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell stated that these foundations offer our early childhood educators a clear understanding of what our youngest learners should know before entering kindergarten.

Volume 1 of the California Preschool Learning Foundations focuses on the domains of social-emotional development, language and literacy, English-language development, and mathematics. They provide a comprehensive understanding of what children learn in these four domains.

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, Tagalog, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and are based on the prevalent non-English languages spoken by parents of preschool children in California.

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

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

Appendix to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1 (DOC)
Available Translations of the Appendix to thePreschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1, can be purchased from CDE Press by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-995-4099, or by ordering through the CDE Press Catalog Listings of Publications (Item Number 001681) External link opens in new window or tab..

Fundamentos del Aprendizaje Preescolar de California, Volumen 1 (PDF)
Spanish translation of the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1

California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2 (PDF; 1MB) covers the skills and knowledge that children attain at around 36 months and 48 months in the domain areas of visual and performing arts, physical development, and health.

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

Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2
Available Translations of the Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2

Appendixes to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2, can be purchased from CDE Press by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-995-4099, or by ordering through the CDE Press Catalog Listings of Publications (Item Number 001708) External link opens in new window or tab.. The price of the publication is $21.95.

Fundamentos del Aprendizaje Preescolar de California, Volumen 2 (PDF)
Spanish translation of the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 2

California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3 (PDF; 1MB) covers the skills and knowledge that children attain at around 36 months and 48 months in the domain areas of history–social science and science.

Foreword by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson
Available Translations of the Foreword by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson

Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3
Available Translations of the Introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3

Appendix A to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3
Available Translations of Appendix A to the California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3

The California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3, can be purchased from CDE Press by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-995-4099, or by ordering through the CDE Press Catalog Listings of Publications (Item Number 001727) External link opens in new window or tab.. The price of the publication is $21.95.

Return to the California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF)

Questions:   Early Education Division| UPK@cde.ca.gov | 916-322-6233
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Recently Posted in Early Education
  • Dual Language Learner (DLL) Support (updated 12-Sep-2024)
    Technical support, guidance, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and resources for the identification, reporting, and support of dual language learners in the California State Preschool Program (CSPP).
  • Pilot Legislative Report (added 12-Sep-2024)
    Executive Summary of the legislative report mandated by Assembly Bill 1294 (Statutes of 2021).
  • Certifying Data Submissions (added 09-Sep-2024)
    This chapter shows the process of reviewing, certifying, and amending monthly data submissions, including deadlines, certification procedures, and consequences for late or incomplete submissions.
  • Uploading Child Records (added 09-Sep-2024)
    This chapter provides definitions, step-by-step instructions, and templates for managing child records, including manual data entry, electronic file uploads, and editing records.
  • Uploading Staff Records (added 09-Sep-2024)
    This chapter provides definitions, step-by-step instructions, and templates for managing staff records, including manual data entry, electronic file uploads, and editing records.

  • Uploading Classroom Records (added 09-Sep-2024)
    This chapter provides definitions, step-by-step instructions, and templates for managing classroom records, including manual data entry, electronic file uploads, and editing records.
  • Account Management Instructions (added 09-Sep-2024)
    Guidelines on adding, editing, and deactivating user accounts, ensuring secure and accurate management of personnel authorized to submit and certify data.
  • Overview (added 09-Sep-2024)
    This page shows an overview of the California Preschool Data Collection System (CAPSDAC) manual.
  • CAPSDAC Update #1 (added 03-Sep-2024)
    Guidance for CAPSDAC Updates Post-July 2024 Release
  • CAPSDAC Updates (added 03-Sep-2024)
    This page contains updates related to the California Preschool Data Collection (CAPSDAC) system including system updates, correspondence, and newsletters.