There is a dizzying array of early childhood programs, schools, and child care options — all with slightly different names and definitions — that can be confusing for parents deciding which one is best for their family. What is the best.
We’ve covered the basics to help you navigate the maze.
Caring for family, friends and neighbors
Age: 0-5 years of age
Cost: Free and paid options. Families may be eligible for subsidies.
This form of care generally refers to a trusted adult. This could be a grandparent or a close friend or it could be a convenient person. Care for family, friends, and neighbors is considered informal care because the person is not expected to be licensed. Parents must determine for themselves whether the person is trustworthy.
A family member or friend may get paid by the state for his or her services. Families who qualify for subsidized child care can pay for child care with vouchers. The caregiver may be required to complete a background check to receive the funds. Further information can be found under the “Payment for Child Care” tab California Department of Social Services website,
family child care home
Age: 0-5 years of age
Cost: This is a paid option. Subsidy is available.
In a family child care home, a licensed provider can care for up to 14 children in their home, depending on the size of their space. This number can be reduced to four if the provider specializes in child care.
More information on family child-care providers
The type of child care setting may vary. Some providers may focus specifically on school preparation, adapt to a particular culture or language, provide home-cooked meals, or specialize in extra support for children with disabilities.
Families who need flexible or unusual hours may find this form of care useful compared to a child care center, which may have set hours, says Cecilia Rojas, Crystal Stairs Resource and Referral Department program manager.
Although the cost of care may vary by provider, families can check with their local Child Care Resource and Referral Program To see if they are eligible for subsidies.
Anganwadi
Age: 0-5 years of age
Cost: Free, low-cost, and paid options. Families may be eligible for subsidies.
Child-care centers typically enroll more children than family child-care homes, are located in non-residential locations, and are staffed. Although a center’s size and specific needs may vary, they must maintain a 4 to 1 child-adult ratio and a 12 to 1 child-adult ratio. Private preschool, state preschool, Head Start, and transitional kindergarten are all considered types of child care centers. Families can look to nearby churches and nonprofits, which may run their own programs.
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The centers can also provide more structured programs than a family child care home, Rojas said. When looking at centers, parents should consider whether they are looking for a full-day or half-day program and whether the programs are year-round.
Some types of centers may be free or low-cost, depending on income. Families can check with their local Child Care Resource and Referral Program To see if they are eligible for subsidies.
private preschool
Age: 3-5 years old
Cost: This is a paid option, but subsidies are available.
Preschools are generally geared toward older children. These may be run by a church or local nonprofit. Daily activities may vary, but families should ensure children engage in developmentally appropriate play-based learning, said Luis Bautista, executive director of the Los Angeles County Office of Education Head Start and Early Learning Division.
Attending preschool can help children get acclimated to a classroom environment. Preschools may offer full-day or half-day programs. Half-day programs may be suitable for families who do not need to rely on day care but want to encourage their child to socialize.
The Women’s Bureau of the Department of Labor estimates that Average Cost to Care for a Preschool Age Child In LA County it is $14,766 per year. Families can check with their local Child Care Resource and Referral Program To see if they are eligible for subsidies.
Head Start/Early Head Start
Age: Head Start 3-5 years old; Early Head Start 0-3 years old
Cost: Free. Households must meet income eligibility requirements.
Head Start and Early Head Start are geared toward low-income families and are run by school districts and community organizations. Programs go beyond school preparation to address mental health, nutrition and physical health, and encourage family engagement.
Head Start follows the state’s Preschool Learning Foundations, which outlines developmentally appropriate knowledge and skills. Classes are limited to 15 to 17 students, depending on age. Early Head Start classes are limited to nine children.
Both full day and half day programs are available. According to Bautista, some programs combine both Head Start and state preschool funds to offer extended-day and extended-year care.
Head Start and Early Head Start are free, but families must meet Income Eligibility Requirements To enroll. family can see LA County Office of Education database or join a Child Care Resource and Referral Program To find nearby locations and access other program resources, including home tours.
California State Preschool Program
Age: 3-5 years old
Cost: This is a free or low-cost option. Households must meet income eligibility requirements.
The California State Preschool Program is a state funded program that can be run through school districts or community-based organizations. Similar to Head Start, state preschools provide health, social, and nutritional services to families in addition to ensuring a child’s kindergarten readiness. Although classes can enroll up to 24 children, they require an 8 to 1 student-adult ratio.
Both full day and half day options are available for families. Extended-day and extended-year options may vary.
State preschool may be free or low-cost, depending on family income, The program can accept families that earn up to 15% more than the guidelines. If a center accepts both Head Start and state preschool funding, it may still enroll families who may not meet Head Start eligibility requirements, but will give priority first to those who do. families can reach out to someone Child Care Resource and Referral Program To find places nearby.
transitional kindergarten
Age: 4 years old
Cost: Free public school.
Although transitional kindergarten has been around for more than a decade, California has made it a new public school grade level. The vaccine will be open to all 4-year-olds by the 2025-26 school year. Children who turn 4 by June 2 will be eligible to enroll for the 2024–25 school year, although some districts, Including Los Angeles Unified And San Diego UnifiedAlready accepting all 4-year-olds.
More information on Transitional Kindergarten
Bautista said that despite its integration into the K-12 system, transitional kindergarten, known as TK, should not be considered more academically focused than other available programs. TK continues to follow the Preschool Learning Foundation and incorporate play-based learning, although TK requires teachers to more education,
Classes are limited to 24 students with 1 adult for every 12 students. Families who need extended care may be able to either take advantage of district offerings or seek alternative care to cover school vacations and after-school hours.
Private Transitional Kindergarten
Age: 4 years old
Cost: This is a paid option, but subsidies may be available.
Private transitional kindergartens are not funded by the state. A private TK may be similar to a private preschool but designed for children as young as 4 years old. Some private schools also have their own versions of the vaccine. Whatever the program, families should make sure that the learning taking place is developmentally appropriate and play-based.
Families interested in paying to enroll in a private vaccine licensed as a child care center should check out Child Care Resource and Referral Program To see if they are eligible for child-care subsidies.
